Bonsai is a name given to any plant that is grown in a container and maintained at an unnaturally small size. The Japanese create entire landscapes in miniature with incredible detail, with the ultimate bonsai being one that resembles a huge tree grown naturally in the wild, with gnarled trunk, branches and tiny leaves when viewed. Chinese bonsai can be a contorted misshapen tree representing a shape or symbol rather than a natural tree. 
Any normal plant can be turned into a bonsai, even grasses.  The goal is to create an attractive miniature plant in a pot. The plant must be pruned regularly, so easily managed  shrubs or trees are generally chosen for subjects. Roots must be trimmed and branches pruned for the plant to survive in a shallow pot. It is necessary to bring most bonsai plants indoors for the winter months in Zone 5 even when Zone 5 cold hardy trees and shrubs are used.
Small conifers like junipers and pines make great bonsai, as do elms and Japanese maples. Any seedling tree can be trained from a very young age to grow in a shallow pot. Ficus make great indoor bonsai and are probably the best beginners bonsai as they are easy to grow tropicals that can survive short dry out periods. Jades and portulacas make interesting subjects with their succulent leaves and stems, and are also quite forgiving. Ask us what we have growing in the back — we frequently have baby trees and shrubs in the growing area that make excellent starter plants.
 785.594.2966 • 1606 N 600 Road • Baldwin, KS 66006