Plants can be bought in tree nursery. They should have following characteristics: most important is that it should have small leaves or at least that they would become smaller after pruning. Also, to have interesting looks of a bark and the trunk, that it can stand pruning and have trunk with many branches.

Forming the bonsai is being conducted in couple of phases. Basic phase is planning. Choosing the front side of bonsai, planning its future looks and decision upon its style are the first things to think of prior to cultivating. Pruning is the next phase and it includes pruning of branches, their buds, leaves as well as root system. After we decide upon style, we come to pruning of excess branches, having in mind the further development of the tree. Situation in which one branch grows facing the other or is right above one is to be avoided, and most ideal situation, the one that you should strive to, is when basic branches are climbing spirally towards the top and, when looking from above, they form an angle of 120 degrees. As far as possible, prune the branch close to the trunk. Cut could be finalized with scalpel, but don’t make too deep an incision, because then the bark could not cover it. Scar is then being filled with wax, but mixed with olive oil in order not to stiffen to soon. In time, bark will cover pruned part and push out soft wax (pictures from 7 to 10).

To achieve better looks of bonsai in regard of the style we have chosen, we prune the buds of the branches which are forming on remaining branches. In regard of this, you should know following: cut is to be administered on side branch as close to a bud as it is possible, which will then continue its growth in desired direction. In that fashion, new branch will be formed in direction of the leftover bud. By pruning the buds, we direct new branches to grow and fill the empty spaces, and avoiding the situation in which branches grow in collision with each other. Buds are outlets of the new branches and their removal is necessary in order to avoid unnecessary burdening of the tree.

Pruning of the leaves is to be administered in the final phase of forming the bonsai. Most frequently it’s done in the beginning of the summer, when the plant is in its full vegetative power. It’s done only when the plant is healthy and powerful, and goal to be achieved is diminishing the size of the leaves. After the removal of all leaves, plant should be protected from the rain and wind, and regularly sprinkled with rain water in case of the warm weather. Watering is lessened until the plant grows leaves again (picture 11).

Pruning of thick and strong root fibres activates the creation of rootlets of finer structure which allow easier access to water and nutrients from the soil for the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to prune root system during each transplantation (picture 12).

Transplantation is the measure which is to be conducted in the period of early spring, on the very beginning of vegetative period. How frequently one should transplant plant is due to the specie of the plant and speed of its growth. Very young trees should be transplanted every each year, pines every two to three years. Flowering types each or every two years. Regarding the transplanting substrate, you can make it yourself of the even amounts of humus, sand and clay. Soil is to be sifted through the sieve with openings of small proportion.

Wiring is one of the measures for forming bonsai. Wire is coiled around the branch we want to direct. Thickness of the branch decides upon the thickness of the wire, which is usually made of copper. Coils have to be evenly matched, and wire is not to be too tight should it not cut in and damage the bark (picture 13).

Watering and light

It is important to water Bonsai early in the day before the temperature lowers in the evening. The type of plant you have will determine the watering regime you need to undertake. How much moisture the plant needs is a very important factor and you should always water the soil as thoroughly as possible to ensure that all the roots get a good watering.

Because the sun is at it’s brightest and strongest between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. you should try as far as possible to keep your Bonsai out of the sunlight between these hours. It is also important to remember that electrical items around the house give off a very humid heat that can damage not only the leaves of you Bonsai but can also dehydrate your plants or trees and eventually kill them. It’s also important to alter your watering schedule to meet the demands of increased light, heat and humidity.

Fertilizing and soil

You can use fertilizers to help the growth of your Bonsai plants, but it’s best to use mild ones that only contain trace elements. Trees are usually fed during the growing season to help with their growth and shouldn’t be used in either plants or trees during dormant growth periods.

Bonsai soil shouldn’t be costing you very much more than normal potting compost or bags of nutrient rich soil that you use in your garden. A good Bonsai soil, however, may contain a long list of ingredients including clay, soil and even bark. Some of these ingredients are loaded with the nutrients that your Bonsai will thrive on, and paying that little extra can certainly promote good healthy growth from your beloved project. Whether you decide you want to use bags of Bonsai soil or make your own soil there are certain things you need to make sure of before planting your Bonsai in the soil. A good Bonsai soil needs to have excellent drainage to make sure the water can seep to the roots and out of the bottom of the soil and through the holes in your pot. It is a good idea to have two different soils, one coarser than the other. This way, the screened soil acts as a sort of irrigation for your plants. As well as this, you may want to consider buying nutrient supplements that you can add when repotting or mix with the soil that you use. However, if you are growing your Bonsai in a suitable area this isn’t always needed.

Pruning and reppoting

The process of repotting a Bonsai tree is one that you should take seriously and follow these simple instructions:
First, you should tidy the tree by carefully pruning off any unwanted, long branches. Also, make sure the tree has been under cover for a few weeks if it is an outdoor Bonsai, this way the soil will be relatively dry. Once you remove the tree from it’s pot you will be able to see whether it really needs repotting. If it is root bound then you should repot it, however, if there are another few inches of room so the roots can grow a little longer then you can carefully replace the tree in it’s original pot and continue as normal. You should remove surface soil from the roots either by hand or using a nylon scrubbing brush. Brush away from the trunk and be careful not to damage any of the roots. Removing the loose soil will give the Bonsai tree a healthier look and feel. Once you’ve removed most of the soil in this way, you can use a small, fine bristled paintbrush to remove the soil stuck in the roots or that has collected in the roots. Use a Bonsai fork to comb out the roots. Do this by combing out the roots from underneath and then use scissors to prune up to a third of the roots and then cut out small wedges around the root base to allow fresh soil to collect and keep your Bonsai healthy. Add a layer of grit to the bottom of the pot and then add the Bonsai compst of your choice. Take the time to position your Bonsai tree in the pot and then push a little more soil into awkward places. Complete this as often as you need to as mentioned above.

Pruning is necessary to maintain (or refine growth to obtain) the right shape of a bonsai and encourage new growth. Some plants naturally respond well to pruning, regardless of how intense, whilst other plants can find it hard to recover, especially when pruned at the wrong time of the year. To prune correctly you must find out the type of plant your bonsai is and research when the best times are to prune old and new season growth. Generally, new growth is pruned during the growing season to maintain the shape of the bonsai, whilst pruning of hard wood (old season growth) is done in mid-autumn. The main factor in maintaining bonsai is the removal of all but the most important parts of the plant. Bonsai is all about the reduction of everything just to the essential elements and ultimate refinement.