What are the essential secrets that have to be known to have success with Bonsai trees?

Question

I have had a few that died on me. Who has raised them successfully that can share their secrets?

Answer 1

There are no secrets. Bonsai is a combination of science and art. Just about everybody kills their first one or two trees except for the few "natural" Bonsai growers. You learn from your mistakes. But so you don't keep killing them forever read up on Bonsai so you at least understand a little of the science end. To keep a tree small you have to balance it on a very fine line between life and death. Too much "life" and it grows like the tree is supposed to. Too much "death" and, well, it dies. Practice.

This is no secret--most people who fail overwater them.

Answer 2

I didn't know there were any secrets. I've had one four about 5 yrs. and have had no problem with it. It sits on my desk at work. All I do is water it and give it some plant fertilizer about once a month. Thing is just fine.

Answer 3

You have to learn Japanese, then talk to them.