Bonsai takes time and patience

There are four stages to bonsai development:

1. The tree begins in a nursery pot. It might have been grown in a field or pot before

   being prepared for sale.

   
   

2. Initial development. The trunk is cut short (often to the second strong branch from the roots) and placed in a bonsai training pot. Roots may have been pruned a little and branches may have been chased back. No obvious styling yet.

   
   

3. Development begins. Branches are allowed to grow, then chased back to the first 2-3 leaves in the growth spurt. Wire may be used to add shape; sometimes to give the trunk movement or to give branches shape. If wiring is not an option, cutting the tree back to a bud, allowing it to grow from that point and then cutting back to a bud on the new growth can also give a tree movement and taper.

   
   

4. Established bonsai tree. The tree will always continue to grow and will need to be pruned and/or repotted at intervals throughout its life. Growth will also still need to be chased back to the first 2-3 leaves after 5-7 leaves have grown. However, an established tree looks finished. It will have a shape that is well-proportioned and leaves that show off the trunk.

Bonsai trees can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but every one starts out in the same way.