Watering:

Most bonsai need watering every day.  Plants must be watered thoroughly when they become slightly dry. The best time to do this in the evening to give the roots time to absorb as much moisture as they need before the soil dries out.  Rainwater is best for Bonsai.  Watering should be done from the top.    Mist spraying is beneficial, again do this in the evening.

Feeding:

Most Bonsai require feeding every two weeks from spring to autumn.  Exceptions are Pines which need only be fed once a month.

Position:

Bonsai are not houseplants.  For the most part they are outdoor plants and must remain outdoors all year.  This is because most bonsai are temperate climate plants that require a period of dormancy.  Since the roots of outdoor bonsai are exposed, they must be carefully overwintered in cold climates to prevent the roots from reaching killing temperatures.

Leaf Pruning:

This basically is removing any leaves which obscure the outline of your Bonsai.  Use a leaf cutting tool and do not be over-enthusiastic.

Branch Pruning:

This is more drastic cutting and is part of the main styling process.  It is usually done in the early spring before bud break.  This is done to style your Bonsai in to the correct shape.  It is very much individual choice which branches to remove, but keep in mind that all trees try to produce new branches towards the end of the branch.  Trimming shears are used to remove smaller branches and concave cutters used to remove larger ones.

Root Pruning:

This is probably the most important technique.  Pruning the roots vigorously will ensure that your Bonsai will stay small and grow vigorously.  Root pruning is done in early spring before bud break but after danger of severe frost has passed.  Carefully remove the Bonsai from its pot and comb out the roots.  At least a third of the old soil should be removed.  Cut the longest roots back to create a compact rootball with a flat base.  If thick roots are cut use a wound sealant to stop “bleeding” and reduce the chance of infection.

Position the Bonsai in its pot on a layer of fresh soil and anchor it with wire threaded through the holes in the pot and through the roots.  This will hold the tree in position until the new root growth begins.  Top the pot with soil and water well.

Asthetic Rules:

Bonsai can vary in height from a few centimeters to a meter. There is no strict height limit. It is simply that the tree be cultivated in a pot and create an image of an ancient tree in nature. Try to create a tree that inspires you while retaining the mountain or deep in a valley. try to retain its natural beauty and shape.

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