How to Grow Your Own Virtual Bonsai Tree

Growing and training a bonsai can be difficult. But even if you have a "black thumb," you can grow a virtual bonsai tree with the software program "Virtual Bonsai." The tree grows over time, thanks to the software's growth simulator. You can nurture your virtual tree just like a real tree by watering, feeding, pruning and taking measures against insects and diseases.

• 1

  Double-click the "Virtual Bonsai" icon to launch the software. When the software initially loads, there will be no tree. Plant your tree by clicking on the icon that has an image of a hand placing an arrow in a container. You will be given the opportunity to choose the type of bonsai that you wish to grow. Click on the tree that you wish to plant. Your bonsai will automatically appear every time you load the software at this point. Your tree will automatically begin growing. One minute in "real time" equals approximately one year of growth in virtual time, depending on the type of tree, age and environment.

• 2

  Click on the icon that resembles a clock to freeze the tree's growth. This will allow you to admire your tree in a frozen state for as long as you wish. This is a useful tool if you wish to admire trees that are in bloom or that have had their leaves change colors.

• 3

  Diagnose the tree's health by clicking on the icon that resembles a stethoscope. This will tell you the tree's vital statistics, including container size, water levels, insect infestation, age and current growth. If you do not give your virtual tree periodic care, including water, pest eradication, fertilizer and regular pruning, it will die. The statistics function will help you determine what care the tree needs. If you do not check the statistics, the tree will exhibit signs of neglect such as drooping branches or wilting leaves.

• 4

  Prune your bonsai by clicking the icon that has an image of a severed line on it. The mouse pointer will turn into a pair of scissors. Hover the mouse over a branch. The portion of the branch from the mouse outward will change colors. Left-click on the branch to make the branch disappear.

• 5

  Shape the branches by clicking on the icon that has an image of a bent coil of wire on it. The mouse pointer will turn into a bent coil of wire. Click on a branch that you wish to bend. The branch will change colors as if highlighted. Hold down the left button of the mouse and drag the mouse in the direction that you wish to bend the branch. Release the left button when you have finished shaping the tree.

• 6

  Water the tree by clicking on the icon that resembles a water droplet. Hold the mouse button over the bonsai container and hold down the left mouse button key to begin watering. Release the key when you have finished watering.

• 7

  Fertilize the bonsai by pressing on the button that looks like a shovel. Select a fertilizer from a fertilizer window that pops up. You will receive different results based on the fertilizer you choose. Every time you click your mouse button, more fertilizer will be added to the container.

• 8

  Repot the bonsai by pressing the button that looks like two pots with an arrow between them. Choose the combination of soils that you wish to use from the menu that appears. Set the ratio of each soil with a slider bar. Choose the new container and container size from a list of containers that appear. Click the button marked "open"' to finish the potting process.

• 9

  Click on the button that looks like a doctor to diagnose insect infestation. Choose a pesticide from the list that appears. Click on the button to spray the tree. If you choose the wrong chemical, there will be no change in the pests. You are only given a finite amount of each chemical. If you take steps against insects early in the infestation, you will need less pesticide.

• 10

  Close your bonsai program. You will be asked if you wish to save your tree. Select the "yes" button. Every time you restart the software, it will take you back to your last saved tree.