I have always had a fascination with Bonsai plants, their innate beauty always appearing as a living work of art.
Though I prided myself on my green thumb I was somewhat apprehensive when I purchased my first plant.
Knowing that this tree could live for years with the proper care, I began my research and found that although some Bonsai plants needed a lot of pampering, most varieties were quite easy to grow.
Though ideally an indoor plant,they can also be maintained outdoors on a patio or in your garden depending on your climate.
Bonsai plants are in reality actual trees that emerged as an art form in Japan and China in the 7th century.
Grown slowly and meticulously pruned, they are often prized for their serene beauty and can fetch a hefty price depending on the age of the tree.
Which Plant Is Best A Bonsai can be sculpted from almost any plant and it becomes a question of which one you prefer.
There are different styles in how you prune such as the cascade, raft, semi-cascade, and forest.
Then there is the choice of whether you want a tropical or a semi tropical Bonsai.
Pine and Juniper seem to be the best suited for the beginner as they tend to be quite tolerate of soil conditions and temperature however just about any plant is a good candidate for becoming a Bonsai.
Here are a few guides lines that will help in choosing and maintaining the right Bonsai for you.

• Choose the type you find is the most appropriate for your home.
  Tropical Bonsai require more constant temperatures lighting and humidity and semi-tropical's can tolerate a more flexible climate.
  
• Choose an already established plant as your first attempt.
  Once you master the techniques of shaping and maintaining your plant, you can then begin the more challenging attempt from seedlings.
  
• Use a shallow container for your Bonsai.
  The rule of thumb is the container must be 2/3 the height of the tree and the depth 1 and 1/2 the inch of the trunks diameter.
  Be sure you are using the best soil for your plant and be vigilant and proactive with any type of pest infestation.
  
• Place your Bonsai in a well-lit area but never in direct sun.
  If you do not have adequate light then it would be wise to purchase grow lights for your tree and use a timer for best results.
  
• Different Bonsai have different water require so be aware of what your plants needs.
  Water your plant regularly by watering the soil around the trunk of the tree and if you water the foliage, be sure its early enough in the day for any excess water to evaporate.
  Always remove any excess water to prevent root rot.
  
• As with any plant, its good practice to re pot your Bonsai every two to three years giving it new soil and a chance to become more resilient as it grows.
  

Pruning and Shaping There are two types of pruning required with Bonsai, root pruning and branch pruning.
Pruning allows your Bonsai to be cultivated into many different shapes depending on your desired look.
Root pruning is done during the spring while the branch pruning can be done at any time.
Always use the proper tools and keep them sharp for best results.
Angle is important when considering how to shape your plant.
Do you want a more formal tree like appearance or informal look where the trunk and its bends and curves can be highlighted? Bonsai really are a treat to grow.
Though they do present a few challenges, they are worth the care involved in their maintenance.
Arm yourself with knowledge from a trusted horticulturalist and you can grow your own living art that will keep your green thumb happy for years.