Bonsai trees aren't difficult to care for. If you have the experience of rearing other household plants, then you're sure to succeed with a bonsai. The only difference of the bonsai trees to other plants is they are actually 'trees'. That being the case, they can be killed even if they are kept inside during the winter.

But if you think that planting a tree in a small container can magically turn into a bonsai, you're mistaken. It takes continuous shaping and pruning. It also depends on what kind of species you have.

Caring for bonsai is like a stylist caring for his client's hair. Not all cuts are essential. There's a particular cut or style that will work better. The same goes out to a bonsai.

Bonsai trees are shrubs and trees. Their heights are stunted artificially tying the branches using wires or pruning the roots. This practice started in China and was later on adapted by Japanese.

Some bonsai enthusiasts go out and get a ready-made bonsai. Others prefer to make their own. What they do is they get seeds or cuttings and dig the bonsai plants themselves.

You can start your bonsai hobby by taking care of a young shrub or tree. We suggest you rear bottlebrush, she oak, crepe myrtle, fig, silky oak and ironwood. Make sure to ask your nursery what are the recommended bonsai for your locale's temperature.

When selecting a plant, consider the following factors: - the bonsai needs material which you will work with so get a tree that has branches - the bonsai's trunk should be wide, preferably its base - the leaves should be small - the branches should start closely to the ground - the plant must be healthy

Also, the pots must have holes for drainage. Pots that are glazed can be an obstacle for the plant to breathe. You can add your own creativity by choosing a pot for its texture and color, just as long as it is perfect for the plant you bought.

If you want to be guided thoroughly, in terms of pruning and shaping, there are hundreds of books about the subject in your local bookstores. Some even have illustrations of the works of renowned bonsai artists such as Matsuhito Kimura.

All you need is basic wiring and pruning skills. Soon enough, you will be able to change a rugged and mangy old bush and shrub into a well-shaped bonsai you can display in your centerpiece. Or if it's a bonsai tree you spent hours pruning, it can be the center of your garden.