Success in bonsai will always depend primarily on the survival of the tree, which goes without saying. Yet, there are many bonsai growers who are not sufficiently conversant with basic horticultural knowledge.

 Bonsai, like ordinary trees in the wild, depend upon natural growth habits not only to survive, but also to develop and remain healthy. It also requires all the natural elements available and in the same proportions as any other garden tree needs. Sufficient water, sun, wind and fertilizer are therefore necessary for strong and healthy bonsai.

 Let us start below ground with the root system. Being away below the surface the bonsai root ball tends to be forgotten. It should more or less be a natural balance between root and foliage and which is very important for bonsai in particular. This vital root–to-foliage balance once understood, will be the basic not only for healthy trees but also for good bonsai design.

 The tree’s root system performs two major roles in the life of bonsai or any naturally growing tree for that matter. It is primarily there to act as the supply route providing the tree with moisture and nutrients. Secondly, it is there to stabilize the structure of the tree acting as an anchor. This anchorage is a very important aspect because it not only prevents the tree from being blown down but also acts to maintain an uninterrupted fuel supply line. This stability ensures that the delicate hair-roots are not continually being broken off due to root movement. Once the root are stabile, moisture and nutrients will once more become available to your tree. These nutrients are then transported up the tree through the trunk to the leave where photosynthesis will take place.