In yesterday's blog, Stalking the Wild Indoor Bonsai Tree, I explained briefly how I collected indoor bonsai tree specimens out in the wilds of Mother Nature. In this blog I'll go deeper in detail on how to successfully gather and cultivate these bonsai. Basically we will be trying to duplicate the living conditions the specimen was thriving in and gradually introducing it into your indoor environment. After finding our new bonsai candidate, we want to carefully dig it up with a shovel or sharp shooter and save as much of the root system as possible. Leave as much of the original soil around the roots to help minimize shock to the tree. I usually put a layer of spaghnum moss in the bottom of the pot with some coarse potting soil on top of that. I then dip the roots with original soil in a mixture of water (preferably rain water) and root growth hormone. Then place the collected bonsai in the pot and pack more coarse potting soil to set the tree at the desired angle. Wet the soil and add a little fertilizer; monitor the tree's progress as we get it re-established. We will want to keep it somewhat shaded for a week or two to make sure it doesn't dehydrate and gradually introduce it into full sunlight. Once the new bonsai feels firmly rooted and appears to be hydrated and healthy, we can take it indoors to a window or patio door that gets 5-6 hours of direct sunlight. If there is no window with full sun, a high wattage fluorescent bulb with a timer set for 14-16 hours a day can be used. The fluorescent bulb should be about 6-8 inches above the top of the foliage. With plenty of tender, loving care your newly crafted indoor bonsai tree will flourish in its new home. | 
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