Bonsai are miniature trees or shrubs that are grown in containers and meticulously pruned and shaped over a long period of time to mimic the shape and style of mature, full-sized trees. The practice of growing bonsai involves artistic, naturalistic miniaturization of any tree or plant species through specialized horticultural techniques like pruning, root reduction, and potting to produce small trees that capture the essence of their larger counterparts. Bonsai take significant time, care, artistry and patience to cultivate and maintain, as the trees grow only a centimeter or two each year.