Beginners guide to growing, keeping and buying bonsai

If you are new to the art of Bonsai, then probably the best place to pick up information is your local Bonsai Association. Clubs are generally keen to encourage new members to join and take part in activities, and there is usually a wealth of knowledge and experience to be had.

Hobbyist magazines and books are another obvious source of information, but beware of conflicting advice, which can be confusing for beginners, and discouraging if things don't go according to plan. There are many good books available, written by prominent Bonsai artists, and maybe the best thing is to follow one authors' method of keeping Bonsai to avoid possible confusion.

Many enthusiasts begin by just buying a tree and having a go, picking up what is needed along the way. This is a good way to learn providing a few simple rules are considered.

When buying your first Bonsai, your initial problem will be to decide whether to buy a tree for an 'Indoor' or 'Outdoor' environment. Remember one important point, there is no such thing as a truly indoor plant. The reason that some trees are described as Indoor Bonsai is only to show that they originate from a (usually) semi-tropical part of the world, and will not tolerate temperatures generally below 12 centigrade, hence the need for them to be kept in a warm place. If you are in any doubt as to a tree's suitability for the environment you have in mind, be sure to ask the person selling the tree what conditions are appropriate.

If you are determined to 'Go it alone', make sure you buy your Bonsai from a reputable dealer who will support you if problems arise with your tree. Don't be afraid to ask about after sales advice available from the dealer while you get to know your tree(s). If the dealer is not willing to offer help, then perhaps your money could be better spent elswhere! Don't be too adventurous with your first Bonsai. Buy something commonly available, because these subjects are most likely to be easier to keep. Rather than buy one big expensive tree, consider two or more cheaper trees. You can only get so much practice from one tree. If you have a couple of Bonsai, there will be more to keep you occupied.

One final point, watering! This is probably what causes the most problems with Bonsai. Either too much or too little water is likely to give your tree a problem. This is something that has to be learned by experience, but that is not to say it is difficult. A tree should not be allowed to dry out completly, nor should it be left standing for long periods with it's roots submerged in water. As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule and Bonsai are no different. The Japanese have a saying regarding watering, 'It rains twice for Bonsai'. All this is saying is do a thorough job by watering your tree twice, until water is seen running from the drainage holes. Ultimately you should water your tree only when it needs watering, and not to a pre-arranged schedule to suit you.