If you have limited space in your home, consider growing Bonsai trees. These miniature trees mimic nature on a tiny scale, and just one or two well-placed plants can add charm and beauty to your living quarters.

Bonsai trees can be a bit tricky to grow, and you must be careful of what you buy. Many so-called bonsai trees that are sold are nothing more than a clipping from a larger plant. Purchase your bonsais from a reputable garden store or nursery, or make your own out of tree cuttings—it takes a while to “train” the plant to stay small, but the pay off and pride you'll feel is well worth the patience. You'll want to put your bonsai in a container with drainage holes on the bottom. Make sure the pot you use is a logical size for the plant you're growing—not too big and not too small, but just right with just a little extra room to grow.

Take care to not keep your plant in areas of the home where it is too hot, too humid, or too cold. Don't place the bonsais near heater vents, and keep them at a safe enough distance from the windows that they'll get plenty of sunlight without getting too scorched.

For most varieties of bonsai trees, you'll want to let the plant nearly dry out between waterings. When you water your bonsais, don't dump the water on them from above. These plants are delicate, and a heavy stream of water pouring down on it can damage its fragile leaves. Instead, fill the sink with fresh, clean water and hold the bonsai with the bottom inch or so of its container submerged under the water. Let the bonsai soak up the water through the bottom of its pot and into its roots. When the surface of the soil gets moist, you know your bonsai has had enough.

With these tips in mind, your adventures in bonsai tree growing are much more likely to be successful!