Once you have decided that you want to own a Bonsai you will have to choose between buying a ready made tree and styling your own. In either case you will also need to decide whether you wish to keep the Bonsai indoor or outdoor because you need to select the types of trees that best suits the chosen environment.

Growing, training, styling and general maintenance techniques for both indoor and outdoor Bonsais are virtually identical. However, the environmental climate is different. All outdoor trees are happy to be grown in their natural climatic condition but when they are moved to different conditions such as to the other parts of the world they may need special treatment to sustain.

Water is vital to the survival and healthy growth of Bonsai as for other plants or trees. If Bonsais are kept outside, then rainfall fulfills some of their need but if they are kept inside it is the owner who has to take care for the water supply. This may seem obvious at first but it is a fact that cannot be over stated because many people find it difficult to assess the watering needs of Bonsai, whether they are indoor or outdoor varieties. It is crucial that the correct watering regime is carried out in order to maintain health and vigor of any type of Bonsai. Bonsai should never be allowed to dry out or become waterlogged because it can be fatal in both instances. The death of a Bonsai is demoralizing when you consider the time and effort that goes into creating it.

Regular feeding with the correct type and dose of fertilizers and at the correct intervals throughout the year is just as important to Bonsai as watering. In fact feeding is absolutely essential to maintain good and healthy growth. Like all plants Bonsai takes a certain amount of the fertilizers, nutrients from the soil but watering will bleach away any fertilizer that is left in the soil. This means that a regular input of nutrients is required. Although fertilizers are absolutely necessary to the growth of your Bonsai, they should always be used sparingly so that the plants do not put on a massive amount of "forced" growth that will make if difficult to maintain their compact nature. Conversely too little feeding leads to unhealthy specimens that will struggle to survive.

Whether you grow your trees purely for pleasure or for display at Bonsai Shows and Exhibitions, you must ensure that your Bonsai look their best at all times. Poor maintenance can make the plants look untidy, unkempt and also affects their quality. So make sure you keep your trees clean and tidy by following the instructions below so that they leave the very best impression on anyone viewing them. If any of your trees cannot be seen in their best form it is advisable not to include them in a display or exhibition. You will find that well maintained trees are less likely to be infected with insects of any kind and are less susceptible to fungal or viral diseases that could prove to be a big problem for the trees.

Most Bonsai are created from hardy shrubs and trees and are therefore not very susceptible to many pests or diseases. Instances of both of these will occur however and it is important to know what to do. The actual process of identifying a pest or disease is very important and if this is done correctly then a suitable remedy can be applied. Cleanliness is the best form of care that you can give. In fact good hygiene practices will normally keep most pests and diseases under control. This should avoid the unnecessary use of insecticides and pesticides. Pesticides can be dangerous and Bonsai growers would recommend the use of such chemicals only as a very last resource. If you decide to apply pesticides ensure that you have properly read the instructions and are wearing suitable protective clothes.

Throughout the year, you need to carry out various tasks in order to maintain the health, appearance, growth and general well being of your Bonsai. Whether they are indoor or outdoor varieties, keeping the trunks, branches, soil and pots need to be kept clean. This is one element of a general maintenance program that needs to be followed at all times regardless of season and weather. If this is ignored you may run into serious problems later in the year or even later in the life of your Bonsai specimens. So make sure that you clean your tools and equipments thoroughly and keep a constant look-out at all times for any signs of distress in your plants and you will eventually reap great rewards from your Bonsai collection.