Some people think that a bonsai is another plant or tree variety that is a genetically dwarf and that it will never grow as tall as any normal tree. But bonsai does not refer to a variety of any plant or tree. Rather it is an art of miniaturizing a plant variety. Bonsai pronounced as “bone sigh” is a Japanese word that refers to the art of growing trees or plant in a pot. The existence of bonsai was first mentioned in an 800-year old picture discovered at an ancient Chinese temple. It was then deduced that the art of bonsai originated in China.



Miniaturizing a tree to attain a beautiful artwork involves patience, time, effort and knowledge. A tree planted in a pot does not automatically become a bonsai. Unlike a regular tree or plant that can be left to grow by itself, a bonsai tree or plant must be trained while it is still young. Several steps or procedures are to be followed while the tree is still young.

Wiring is a procedure use to train the branch of a tree to the desired shape. Using a copper or aluminum coated wire; a branch is positioned to the desired shape. Then the wire is left on the branch until such time that the branch can retain its shape without the help of the wire. Two or more branches can also be tied together to attain the desired look. Proper wiring method should be followed so as not to hurt the branch or branches. Cut the wires into smaller pieces when removing the wire as unwinding can break the branch. Fall or winter is considered the best time when planning to wire a tree.

Stretching is another bonsai shaping method in which a piece of cloth is wrapped around the branch, tied with a wire then attached to the ground. Stretching is done slowly, takes time and done in multiple steps so as not to break the branch.

Pruning the branches and the roots is necessary when miniaturizing a tree. Pruning is done to shape or style the tree. This will removed unwanted branches and roots. When the bonsai tree or plant is already in good shape, pruning is done to maintain the style and shape. Pruning is done on spring. Pruned areas are treated with special chemical to protect the wound area and hasten the healing process.

Defoliating is done when some parts of the trees developed faster. Defoliating the more developed parts will shift the growth to the underdeveloped area. It will also force the development of new and smaller leaves which will fit better a bonsai tree.

Repotting a bonsai tree takes place at different times depending on what type of tree is being shaped. This is to balance the growth of the roots with the other parts of the tree.

Other factors such as the amount of sunlight, fertilizer, humidity and supply of water are as important as the above procedures. Each tree has its own special needs. These factors must be studied carefully according to what type of bonsai tree is to be developed.