Bonsai is not a specific type of plant, but rather a tree or shrub cultivated in a container that has been artistically shaped and maintained to appear like a miniature version of a full-sized tree. While the art form has a reputation for being complex, keeping a bonsai alive is not inherently difficult; it simply requires routine, focused attention that differs from caring for a typical houseplant. The true challenge lies in the long-term, artistic shaping of the tree, which is a process learned over many years. A successful journey begins with selecting a resilient species and adopting a realistic approach to daily maintenance.
Mitigating Difficulty: Selecting the Right Species
The initial choice of species can drastically reduce the learning curve for a beginner, making the hobby much more approachable. Trees are broadly categorized into outdoor (temperate) and indoor (tropical or subtropical) varieties. Indoor options are often the best starting point for those in variable climates, allowing the new grower to focus on mastering basic care without the immediate pressure of an unforgiving plant.
Ficus
Tropical species like the Ficus are highly forgiving of common beginner mistakes, such as variations in watering and occasional heavy pruning. Ficus also tolerates lower light levels better than many other species, adapting well to typical indoor conditions.
Chinese Elm and Jade
The Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is known for its vigorous growth and ability to rapidly recover from pruning errors. Its small leaves make it naturally suited to the miniature scale of bonsai. For those interested in a succulent-like approach, the Jade plant (Crassula ovata) stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves, offering significant tolerance to missed watering.
Essential Daily Care: Light, Water, and Environment
The primary barrier to keeping a bonsai alive is the routine of correct watering, which is complicated by the small volume of soil in the container. Water should only be applied when the top layer of soil feels barely damp to the touch, not according to a rigid schedule. A deep soak is necessary to ensure the entire root ball is saturated, with water running freely from the drainage holes. Allowing the soil to completely dry out stresses the tree, while constantly soggy soil can quickly lead to root rot.
Most bonsai species require significant light, often preferring several hours of direct sun daily, especially outdoor varieties. Indoor tropical species generally require bright, indirect light, meaning a south-facing window is often necessary to meet their needs. Supplemental artificial grow lights become necessary in low natural light environments to prevent the tree from weakening. Humidity is also a factor, as it can be low indoors, especially with central heating. Placing the container on a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water can help raise the immediate atmospheric moisture around the foliage.
The Specialized Skills That Define Bonsai
Moving beyond simple survival, the artistic development of a bonsai requires specialized shaping techniques. Pruning is the most common skill and involves two forms: maintenance pruning to control the canopy size, and structural pruning to establish the overall design. Frequent trimming of new growth forces the tree to produce denser, smaller foliage and encourages fine branch ramification. This process is essential for maintaining the miniature, mature look of the tree.
Wiring is the technique used to direct the growth of branches and the trunk into specific, artistic positions. Copper or anodized aluminum wire is carefully wrapped around a branch and then bent to reshape its direction. The wire must be monitored closely and removed before it bites into the bark, which causes permanent scarring. This skill requires patience and an understanding of the tree’s growth rate to prevent injury.
Repotting and root pruning are performed every one to five years, depending on the tree’s age and species. This is necessary because the restricted container size causes the tree to become root-bound. When repotting, a portion of the old, thick, circling roots is removed, which stimulates the growth of new, fine feeder roots. These fine roots are more efficient at absorbing water and nutrients, revitalizing the tree and allowing it to remain healthy in its small pot for another cycle. Repotting is typically timed for the late winter or very early spring, just before the tree enters its active growth phase.