In cultivating large and small bonsais alike, the decision whether to sow seeds, plant saplings, graft, or transplant is determined by the type of plant. "Starting from seeds or seedlings is best. It'll grow just like a big tree then, with a complete root system," says Cheng Yuan-ch'un of the Taiwan Provincial Museum's botanical section. A tree with a complete root system, he points out, will be strong and vigorous.

"The seeds of apples, oranges, persimmons, and lemons, after you eat them, can all be planted," Lin Kuo-ch'eng says. A year or two after planting, he chops off the top, leaving only part of the trunk. After the trunk grows new branches, he puts the tree in a pot and starts pruning. Success depends on the pruning. There are two keys: one must be willing to cut, and one must know how.

Beginners usually prune too little. Even though they know that cutting is a must, they still just trim off the tips. "I came home from college one day and found that somebody had chopped the bonsai I was raising right through the middle. I almost cried," Cheng recalls. "But later I discovered the branches that grew out again were really beautiful, much better than before. It was then that I learned the importance of cutting. It's a science."

Pruning has it tricks of the trade. For example, to get a tree to produce a new shoot or branch, a "growth point" can be made on the trunk or a limb. And the shape of the tree itself can be changed. "Choose a limb and keep cutting off all the branches and twigs. Wait for it to grow thick and stubby. Then pick a new branch on the limb and treat it the same way. Slowly, the shape will be brought out," Cheng says.

Also, it is best to cut off all the leaves after potting. Without leaves to absorb nutrients, the roots will have a better chance to develop. And even after the roots are well grown, the leaves should be cut off often. The tree will then blossom more and bear more fruit. "It's instinct. The plant probably 'hopes' the next generation will grow up better," Cheng says.

Pruning, grafting, or repotting should be done just when winter turns to spring. That is because a tree's vitality is greatest when it awakes from dormancy and the roots and branches it puts out in the spring will have a higher rate of survival.

Besides pruning, a tree can be shaped by making use of tropism, a plant's natural tendency to grow towards sunlight, or by cutting its roots when potting. "A tree's shape aboveground--tall and narrow or low and spreading--usually resembles that of its roots below," Lin says. "So if you want a tree to grow in one direction, just cut off the roots on the other side."

Soil is important, too. The best is riverbed clay, which lacks nutrients. Lin says to bake the clay first and then sift it into coarse and fine pellets. Baking and sifting will increase permeability, kill bacteria, and eliminate weeds.

After choosing a ceramic pot that fits the tree's appearance, one should put a piece of screening over the drain hole and spread out a layer of the large-sized soil pellets for a base. Medium-sized pellets should be used for small bonsais. Some fertilizer Should be added on top.

Excess roots may be trimmed to fit the tree in the pot. If the pot is shallow and the tree trunk is thick and heavy, flexible aluminum wire may be used to secure the trunk. Finely sifted soil should be used to fill up the rest of the pot. Care should be taken to fill in the spaces between the roots, to protect against rotting. Finally, the whole pot should be steeped in water, allowing the soil to become thoroughly soaked.

Repotting should be performed in the same way. Small bonsais should usually be repotted once every two years.

[Picture Caption]

The red wire is what shapes the tree. (Ku Sheng-che/hgt: 45 cm) (Photo b y Fu Chun)

An idyllic little scene of scholars playing go under a pine tree. （Kuo Ch'i-hui／hgt: 26 cm）

The red wire is what shapes the tree. （Ku Sheng-che／hgt: 45 cm） （Photo b y Fu Chun）