For Bonsai enthusiasts, the ficus tree is the tree of choice. It is easy to grow, cultivate, and shape compared to most exotic species and does well when "miniaturized." Most students are introduced to the art of Bonsai through the ficus tree.

Of course, the ficus is not the only tree used when making miniature Bonsai, but it is the favored one. They just have distinct advantages over other types of tree. They are generally more resilient than other species, they take to "miniaturization" well, and they are fairly easy to trim and manipulate during the art of Bonsai.

Choosing a good ficus to start with is important, whether you're a master or a beginner. Getting a good tree from the nursery will start your Bonsai experience right. A strong, healthy tree is paramount to success and the people at a reputable nursery can help you. Their job is knowing plants, so if you need a good one, they can point it out. When you've got the right ficus tree to being with, you can then start the Bonsai process.

Your first order of business once you have a new ficus tree is to re-pot it. Transferring it to its new, permanent home is where the Bonsai art begins. Find a pot that is the right size for your intended use of the tree (very small for table top use, larger for corner or shelf display). The size of the final container will decide the size of the tree, with a smaller container restricting the ficus tree's growth to the size you wish it to be. The pot will also need to match the dcor of the room it will be in as well as facilitate proper watering and fertilization of the ficus.

Once the pot has been chosen, allow your plant to "dry" for a couple of days. By not watering for a day or two, the soil will dry out and the tree itself will begin to strengthen its roots for deeper growth. Transferring to another pot is much easier when the soil is dry and the roots are stronger. Prepare the new pot before the transfer, putting the base soil and rocks in and having the potting mix and other items ready. After transferring the ficus tree, gently pack in the new soil around it, but don't use too much. The amount of soil you use will determine how large the tree will grow.

The art of Bonsai is a learned skill and the master understands the symmetry between pot size, soil composition and depth, tree care, and the elements that make for a well-designed Bonsai masterpiece. Don't expect your first tree to be perfect, but do expect to learn a lot in the process of doing it. Soon you'll be able to choose the right ficus tree for your expectations in designing your next Bonsai creation.