How to grow the trunk of a Chinese pistache bonsai? The key points are here

  For growing the trunk of a Chinese pistache bonsai, around the Spring Equinox, dig out robust seedlings that have grown on the seedbed for a full 2 years; when digging, take care to protect the lateral roots and fibrous roots. To ensure the bonsai seedling's growth height does not exceed 80cm, all branches and trunks above 50-60cm on the newly dug seedling should be cut off.

  Before planting, cover the drainage hole of the pot with two overlapping pieces of broken tile so that it drains water but does not let soil escape, and place a layer of coarse sand at the bottom of the pot to increase air permeability, which helps the seedling survive and grow. Then fill in 1/2 pot of soil, with the soil higher in the middle and lower around the edges; spread the seedling's root system out, keep the root trunk upright, and after filling with soil, gently lift the seedling with your hand and shake the pot to firm the soil; the soil should be 3-5cm below the pot rim so that it can be watered thoroughly.

  The soil in a newly potted plant is very loose; you can gently press it firm with your hand, then water slowly to prevent the surface soil from being washed into a big pit. After the first watering has seeped down, water once more until water flows out from the bottom of the hole. Be careful to avoid giving only half a watering, which leaves the top wet and the bottom dry and affects survival and growth. After watering thoroughly, first place it in a shady spot to recover. After another 1 year of cultivation, once the new branches and leaves are lush, shaping can begin.