Grow, train and care are the three words that you need to be aware of when it comes to bonsai trees. In Japanese, these charming trees actually mean planted in a container and they are considered an essential component to decorating for tranquility.

For more than 1,000 years, Zen Buddhism has appreciated the art of bonsai but today, every religion and culture appreciate these charming and magical little trees.

Growing Bonsai Trees

Many people are under the assumption that bonsai trees are a specific species, they’re not! In fact, most trees can be manipulated to this toy size, some just look better! So, how do you start growing a bonsai tree?

• Buy a Bonsai Tree – If you are a new bonsai enthusiast, this is the easiest form of cultivation. There is no growing involved, you simply have to maintain it.

• Seeds or Cutting – Have a lot of patience? This process is slow but very rewarding!

• Nature Trees – If you have permission, you can remove a small seedling from a nursery or forest.

Training Bonsai Trees

The most important things you need to learn when training bonsai trees are pruning and wiring. Never make a cut without visualizing and totally thinking through the outcome and don’t try to cut away too much at a time!

When you are training bonsai trees, you will manipulate growth patterns using copper wire. Make sure that you don’t wrap the branches too tight or they won’t have room to grow and aim to wrap branches of similar widths together.

Caring for Bonsai Trees

It is important that the soil of your bonsai tree be damp at all times but you don’t want to over-water it either. Bonsai tree soil has to be monitored and they should be provided with fertilizer on a regular basis. If you go on vacation, a neighbor will have to check in on your tree.

As far as location goes in your home, bonsai trees require a bright spot that provide natural sunlight. You can even move it out to your deck for a few hours in the warmer months to soak up some sun.

Bonsai trees are living pieces of art that will help create a peaceful home. If your goal is decorating for tranquility, you need to add bonsai trees to your decor.