Introduction

• Derived from the Japanese word ‘Bon’ meaning shallow pan and ‘Sai’ means plant.
• The special methods of bonsai cultivation include planting trees in small urn or pots, starving the plant of nutrients, limiting the space for root growth & pruning shoot to create the gnarled (twisted) appearance of a full-sized tree.
• Thus, ‘the art of growing and training plants to be miniature of their natural forms’.
• Depending upon the height of the bonsai plant it can be categorized as large bonsai (>60 cm), medium bonsai (30 to 60 cm), small (20-30 cm) and mame bonsai (<20 cm).

Criterion for selecting plants

• should be hardy
• should have good response to the pruning and training operation (roots, branches) but still manifest itself as a lively replica of a normal plant.
• should stand with rigorous growth habit in shallow container
• should reflect harmonious matching with container/pot.
• whose trunks are strong and thick at the ground level give a good natural appearance
• which show seasonal variations in growth pattern and flowering are more pleasant.