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!

There are lots of types of bonsai trees that are sold on the market this day. The Ficus bonsai doesn't belong to the list of the fastest selling bonsais for nothing. First, it is naturally miniscule so pruning is easier for the gardener especially for a beginner.

Second, it is great to keep indoors. In fact, it is more beneficial for the plant to stay indoors rather than outdoors.

The Ficus bonsai has many types namely: The Golf Ball Ficus (or the so-called Ficus Benjamina), Root Over Rock Ficus, Chinese bonsai, Taiwan Ficus (this is also called the Banyan Fig), The Curved Shaped Trunk, and many more.

Here are a few tips in keeping your Ficus Bonsai:

1. Just like most bonsais, the Ficus likes to keep itself dry in between your waterings. If you want, you can touch the soil daily to be able to determine if it's time to water again. If your bonsai has a rock on its surface, lift the rock and feel the top portion of the soil. One good way of watering this type of bonsai is to put it in the sink and have the water level reach up to its trunk. This should be no longer than 5 to 10 minutes. Drain afterwards.
2. The Ficus isn't 'choosy' when it comes to its lighting conditions. It could dwell in either a well-lighted place or a semi-lighted one. Others like to keep their Ficus in shady areas to ensure that it is kept away from the glaring afternoon sun. Although chemical fertilizers could be allowed, the organic ones are most preferred.
3. To be able to gauge the humidity around the Ficus, you can use a humidity tray (which has humidity stones). In the absence of this tray, you can use easy tray with stones and water.
4. Always keep the Ficus indoors during the winter season. Be sure to keep the plant in a well-lighted area during these months.
5. The Ficus should be transferred to a different pot each two years. Repot during springtime and make sure that ample water is given so that the roots might grow. A word of caution: make sure that it is kept in a shady area for a few weeks!

These are basic ways of caring for your Ficus bonsai. What you have is a thing of beauty. Be sure to have enough time and enough love to care for it.