Bonsai is a way of pruning and restricting the growth of a plant so it stays very, very small. The shape the plant grows is also changed, often making the plant look like a tiny, old, twisted tree.

Bonsai is achieved with a combination of careful pruning of both the roots and the branches, and using wire to shape the branches as they grow. Keeping the bonsai in a small container keeps the plant small, but great care must be taken so the plant doesn't dry out and die.