Just though I'd chuck in my six eggs. Don't get hung up on tecchniques, if you do you're missing the point. Bonsai is about enjoyment, fulfilment and if you encompass the Japanese ethos, it is about recreating in miniature the natural world, leading to peace, harmony and enlightenment..... or you might just like little trees. There are many good suggestions above, but as has been mentioned, learning is about having a go, trying things and see what happens. I would suggest getting inexpensive nursary stock, even looking for 'sale' items, that may have some potential, i.e. with a reasonable length of trunk, a good number of branches spread evenly around the trunk, and a good strong root system. The next stage is to take a good look at what you have got and then look for the equivalent in a full size tree. Bonsais should look like a small version of a full size tree. From that you can consider the style you want to create, the simplist is informal upright. Initial pruning will mean removing the branches that creates the overall framework for that style. From then on over a number of years, correct feeding and regular pruning specific to the species requirements will encourage ramification, or building up of a fine branch and twig structure. Root pruning is carried out when the tree becomes rootbound, and sufficient roots, as Lucy says, usually about 1/3 will be removed a) to built up a finer feeder root system and b)to allow the roots to once again be able to support the top of the tree. When training a tree it is not necessary to get it into a bonsai pot. When talking about trunk chopping a tree, the aftercare means growing it either in the ground for several years to build up the branch structure, or in a pot or box of sufficient size to accomodate the majority of the roots. The rootball will gradually be reduced in size over a period of time, to fit in with the overall image and needs of the tree. Remember, have fun, some you will win, some you will lose, don't be discouraged. And don't get wrapped up to much by other peoples opinons about what a bonsai should look like, beauty in the case of bonsai, is very much in the eye of the beholder, I have seen many so called, 'excellent' bonsai by bonsai masters that do absolutely nothing for me!!

Mmmmm...luv me some elephant jade *hiccup* Mini/Elephant/Port Afra jade is the coolest. It: 1. Grows really fast if you give it some love (sun, water, fert, airy soil) 2. You can forget to water it (not love it) for a VERY long time and it'll not hold it against you. Simply add water and presto-- plant back to normal. 3. Can turn brilliant colors depending on your conditions. Vibrant green leaves, which get tiny in strong direct sun, flaming red branches to brick red branches 4. It grows like a weed (guess it is in Africa since the elephants much on it) and you can achieve impressive trunk size in a matter of a few short years. I had three plants and in one year they grew to over 1 inch in diameter in onw growing season. Season two I have two inches... I suspect another inch this year or more now that I've got their cultivation down. 5. You can let the wind flip them up-side-down on neighboring pants and crucial thick branches imperative to your bonsai design will not snap off (disclaimer-- if you just watered it, the branches will be turgid and may break off-- but then again, if you just watered it, its heavy!!! So it might not blow over anyway!). 6. You can lop off a piece, no matter how small, and send it to a friend for their growing enjoyment. I highly suggest you try port afra jade and give bonsai a whirl-- it is so satisfying to see your creating grow and become a work of art. Don't be afraid to chop the thing up -- I hacked mine away in the beginning as my "design" was not yet set into place-- and they grow even more robust. If you manage to kill a port afra you should seek out a new hobby besides gardening. They are just that strong. These are generalities, though...so please, take no offense if you did in fact kill a port afra. Fly Jade Ranch Ryan

I have two jade plants, one money tree and one fiscus bonsai. can I use the same soil for all the above or would it be better to use different soil for each. what would you guys recommend for each if different is preferred? Any suggestions on store bought soils or easy to make soil for each would absolutely be greatly appreciated!

At the top of the Cacti & Succulents Forum page you will see an area to start a discussion. Where it says Example Title: "Need help for my kitchen" you will type in your thread name, for example "Need help with my Jade". The next box is for the text. Tell us where you live and your growing zone. Tell us about your growing conditions. Is the plant outside? If inside, what kind of lighting does it have? If near a window, does is face south, east, etc.? Knowing what kind of soil you have your plant in and how often you water may come in handy, too. To include a picture, click on the camera icon that says Photo on it below the text you are typing. It will prompt you to choose a picture from your device (or picture folder). Choose your picture, click open and voila! Your picture will upload. You can include 10 pictures per post, I think. When you are finished, click Post. It's a lot easier to do than it is to explain. If this old lady can do it, you can! LOL Hope that helps!