The art of bonsai sculpting is an ancient one in Japan. The bonsai plant itself is not usually a dwarf plant. They are usually ordinary trees, or even plants, but they have been pruned and trained for a certain effect that is pleasing to the artist. The mini bonsai is basically just a regular bonsai, but even tinier, like a pocket version.

This can be of just about any variety of plant you can think of. Traditional bonsai plants make excellent mini bonsai, but you can also use non-traditional plants as well. Do your research on what are the easiest to cultivate and how to care for them and you will be well on your way to raising one.

How to Care For Your Mini Bonsai

These can be fairly easy to care for; simply care for them just as you would care for a larger bonsai. If you have a mini bonsai of a succulent variety, you would maintain it just as you would a larger succulent bonsai — with sandier soil and less watering. If you have a deciduous variety, it will need a bit more water and richer soil.

The same repotting guidelines apply to mini bonsai, too. If you do repot yours, do it either a month before or after its major pruning so that your mini bonsai doesn't suffer too much shock. Of course, since your mini bonsai is smaller, your pots will be smaller. Even the large varieties of miniatures don't take up much room!

Your mini bonsai will need sun just like any other bonsai. It will need a certain amount of sun, so just use common sense when establishing the needs of your mini bonsai. During the hotter summer months, your mini bonsai will need a little more shade, just to make sure the soil does not completely dry out.

As with the larger varieties it's good to pick the brains of those who have been growing bonsai for longer than yourself. Nurseries, bookstores, libraries, the internet, even your next-door neighbors might be able to offer worthwhile advice. Think about starting a club if there isn't one near you already.

Mini bonsai are great plants for those who want a little more out of bonsai. They can be more challenging than regular bonsai, simply because they're significantly smaller. However, if you take good care of your tiny pocket plant, it can provide you with an interesting new addition to your home, and help you hone and develop your bonsai pruning skills even more than you would be able to with a regular-sized bonsai.