Going back thousands of years ago, the bonsai plant has a colorful history. The Chinese might have been the first race to prune and shape the bonsai plants but records show that bonsais were seen in Egyptian tombs 2000 years ago.

Records also show that Indian herbalists preserved these prized plants in small containers because of the dwarfish sizes 1500 years ago.

But of course, when talking about the modern cultivation of Bonsai, we often turn to the Chinese practice. They started growing the bonsai plant at a period when the peak was cultural learning. Later on, the Japanese adopted the hobby and even associated it to their belief in Buddha. Bonsai became a culture and an art for both the Chinese and the Japanese.

When choosing the right bonsai for you, you must be aware that there are two types: the temperate and the tropical.

Temperate bonsai can live in low temperatures, thanks to their shallow roots. It needs protection from the cold though. Examples of temperate bonsai are the maples and junipers.

Meanwhile, the tropical bonsai has difficulty adjusting to cold temperatures. As much as you can, protect it against frost. Examples of tropical bonsai are the ficus, serissa and bougainvillea.

Be aware of the temperature when you're buying a bonsai. Get one that won't have a hard time adjusting. If you're thinking of getting a bonsai that'll be outdoors 24-7, then get one that can handle it.

If you are getting a bonsai that will be put inside the home, at least, make sure that it gets the right amount of sunlight and enough water. An indoor bonsai needs more water than one grown outdoors.

Generally, bonsai enthusiasts purchased these plants so that they could prune and shape it themselves. If you already have a design in mind, then you should consider this as a factor in deciding what kind of bonsai you'd buy.

Styles of bonsai vary from easy to complicated. But do not worry; there are hundreds of bonsai books you can read.

Whichever style you crop, prune or shape your bonsai, as long as you make sure that the plant gets the sunlight and the water it needs, it will surely bloom and become the plant that you want it to be.

With each bonsai, you'd soon find yourself hooked!

Bonsai trees normally don't bear flowers. One variation that does is called the Bougainvillea. This is commonly found in many parts of Asia and South America.

This belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family that is part tree and vine. Although this has never been practiced by the Japanese or the Chinese, those in America have discovered that's also possesses excellent qualities of being a bonsai tree.

For one, the hobbyists doesn't have to give it a lot of water. Fertilizers can also be used to help it grow especially those that have nitrogen concentrates. It needs direct sunlight so those who decide to keep it indoors should take it out at least for four hours each day.

The Bougainvillea Bonsai can be placed either indoors or outdoors. It blooms all year round even during the winter. When the weather gets cold outside, it should be placed indoors and in a warm place to make sure it survives.

One technique that'll keep it looking good all year is pruning. The hobbyist will have to use a cutter to cut off some of the branches to make it work. A sealant should be used after to help the bougainvillea tree heal.

A little pruning should also be done with the roots when this gets bigger and this is transferred to a bigger pot. The hobbyist might even cut a small portion to start smaller bougainvillea bonsai's and sell it later on.

Leaves grow constantly on the bougainvillea tree, which is very similar to weeds in the lawn. The hobbyist will have to pinch or cut a few off whenever there's too much around that destroys its image.

Infant versions measuring five to six inches in height and twelve inches in width sell at $50. Fully grown ones that are twice the dimensions of a smaller one can be sold at more than $250 a piece.

Another technique the person can do to make it grow into the desired shape is through wiring. The person can purchase this from the store in either aluminum or copper. This should be wrapped one or two times around the branches and should only be taken out after a few weeks.

Those who are experienced with the different types bonsai might want to try something new such as this type of tree. This can be purchased in gardening stores then later on put into different pots.