Bonsai is the Japanese term for a tree in a tray. Bonsai can be planted in ceramic pots or on stones. Landscape style bonsai are generally called Penjing, which is also the Chinese term for bonsai. Bonkai is an older term for landscape plantings.

There are five basic styles in bonsai: Formal Upright, Informal Upright, Slant, Semi-cascade and Full cascade. These describe the angle of the trunk relative to the soil surface; there are many variations to each style.

Bonsai are grown outdoors, with few exceptions. They can be brought inside for short periods of time, the duration of which depends on the time of year and type of tree.

Bonsai have to be repotted and have their roots pruned once every 1-5 years.

Bonsai are dwarfed by pruning and careful maintenance of the growth of the roots and the leaves or needles. They are not dwarfed by lack of water, fertilizer or light; the lack of these necessary components of plant life will weaken the tree and eventually lead to its death. In bonsai the artist generally strives to keep the plant in the healthiest possible state which prevents small branches from dying which detracts from the beauty of the plant.

Bonsai are not a special variety of plant. Although in some cases genetic dwarfs are used for bonsai, in general, if a bonsai is planted in the ground it will eventually grow into a full size tree or plant.

Some bonsai have dead portions either on the trunk or in the branches. Dead sections are meant to imitate what happens in harsh natural environments. Dead portions on the trunk are called Shari, dead branches or twigs are called Jin.

Bonsai are planted in pots in soil that promotes good drainage; this soil is made up mostly of inorganic material such as lava rock, decomposed granite, horticultural pumice, akadama (a Japanese clay) and similar components.

Bonsai are watered almost every day when planted in proper soil, sometimes two or three times per day depending on weather conditions and the size of the pot.

BSSF offers basics classes once or twice per year. Check the upcomming events section for dates and times.