Bonsai is the art of growing ornamental, artificially dwarfed varieties of trees and shrubs in pots. Here are simple steps to follow to prepare Bonsai.

1. A N A R T O F P R E C I S I O N A N D
PA T I E N C E
Bonsai Preparation
-Jay Prakash Das

2. Introduction
Bonsai is art of training and
growing trees in containers, pots.
(Bonsai(Japanese): “A tree which is planted in a shallow container”)
Bonsai trees are now used for
decorative and recreational
purposes in addition to their
traditional uses.

3.  Bonsai are miniature but realistic
representation of nature’s beauty.
 Bonsai are highly expensive because of
time taken and efforts put into for their
preparation.
 At 2017 International Bonsai
Convention, a massive 400 years pine
bonsai was sold for US $1.3 million.

4. Steps in Bonsai Preparation
• Select suitable species of tree according to climatic condition.
• Choose tree species generally evergreen which respond well to pruning and other training
efforts.
• Decide whether you plan on having indoor or outdoor tree. They vary
drastically.
• Indoors: Ficus , Boxwood, Camellia, Serissa, Dwarf Pomegranate
• Outdoor: Banyan, Rubber, Peepal, Citrus, Pakad, Juniper, Cypress, Ceder, Maple, Birch,
Ginkgo
• Conifers commonly used for bonsai include pines, spruces and cedars of many varieties.
Step 1: Selection of Tree

5. Step 2: Pot Selection
 Selection of Pot:
• Pot restrict the tree growth so should be chosen
appropriately
• Pot can be either rectangular, circular, triangular,
square considering other criteria.
• Pot should be large enough to support the tree.
• Overly large pot can dwarf tree itself giving
bizarre and mismatched appearance.
• One or more drainage holes to prevent the root
rot.

6. Step 3: Soil Mixture Preparation For Bonsai Pot
For deciduous and evergreen bonsai tree:
• Fine clay with good aeration: 50%
• Finer, looser drainage matter/ Soil organic compost
matter/small sized wooden bark+ compost: 25%
• Small sized coarse gravels/broken bricks: 25%
For Conifers bonsai tree:
• Fine clay with good aeration: 33%
• Finer, looser drainage matter/ Soil organic compost
matter/small sized wooden bark+ compost: 33%
• Small sized coarse gravels/broken bricks: 33%

7. Step 4: Preparation of Tree
If you have bought Bonsai from store or grown your own
bonsai, it needs to be prepared before transplanting
 Tree should be pruned to shape avoiding main stem cutting.
 Clean the roots then cut large thick roots and any upward
facing roots leaving a network of long slender roots.
 Many thin root stands are better than single large deep root.
 Deciduous are best transplanted in Springs.
 Wrap a sturdy wire around the tree or branch to gently direct
it’s growth.

8. Step 5: Preparation of Pot and Planting of Tree
 At the buttom of empty pot, add a layer of coarse-
grain gravel as base material.
 Add a finer, looser growing medium with
compost having good drainage and aeration.
(Don’t use regular garden soil)
 Place the selected plant and finish adding fine
well drainage soil or growing medium covering
root system.
You may add a final layer of moss or shiny
gravels to enhance the look.

9. Starting a tree from Seed
 If you choose to grow from seed, you will have the ability to control your tree’s growth in
early stage of it’s development. However it can take up to 5 years to grow from seed to
fully grown tree.
• Firstly get fresh seeds and allow seeds to germinate.
• Introduce seedling to seed tray or pot.
• Don’t use fertilizers for 5-6 weeks
• Make sure that they receive frequent but not excessive
watering.

10. Care for new Bonsai Tree
 For 2-3 weeks after repotting, leave it in semi-shaded area protected
from wind or harsh direct sunlight.
 Water the plant but don’t use fertilizers until roots have re-established.
 If tree isn’t staying upright in new pot, run a wire guage from the
buttom of pot through drainage hole.

11. THANK YOU