The Japanese word bonsai (pronounced bone-sigh) translates to English as "tree in a pot." To accomplish this gardening art, one needs to understand tree roots. A tree gets most of its nourishment from fine hair roots, while the large roots anchor it to the ground. In bonsai, fine hair roots are encouraged by root-pruning the tree each year and removing any large roots except those right by the trunk. The top of the tree is pruned in direct proportion to the roots. As the tree matures, less and less pruning is needed.
Trees for bonsai are planted in shallow pots in a mixture of fine bark, sandblasting sand, calcined clay, and peat, with the mix depending on the species. Pine, for instance, needs a soil with more sand, whereas azaleas need more peat and bark.
Be careful when purchasing a bonsai. There are nurseries that simply prune the roots off of their stock to fit it into a bonsai pot and put it up for sale. Roadside vendors are notorious for this practice.
When first starting out with bonsai, try something easy like a small-leaf variety of schefflera or ficus. Don't start out with a juniper or azalea unless you're ready to have it die from a spider mite infestation. Schefflera and ficus also can be over-wintered in the house, whereas most other species must be maintained outdoors all year.
For a good book about bonsai, try Deborah Koreshoff's Bonsai. It is complete and most informative. And join your local bonsai club for a wealth of knowledge from others who enjoy this hobby. Tyler and Longview both have clubs.
John Kline, Smith County Master Gardener
Houseplants Index
Gardening Tips For Northeast Texas Index
East Texas Piney Woods Gardening Home Page