- 1). Select a well-drained potting container for the bird's nest bonsai. Pick a container with several drainage holes, rather than just one, to promote an evenly drained environment. Line each of the container's drainage holes with a layer of fine mesh, which will serve as a drainage filter system. Line the bottom third of the bird's nest container with a layer of well-drained, loamy soil and set the container aside.
- 2). Place your bird's nest shrub on a flat, clean surface and inspect the tree closely. Identify any damaged or ailing branches and remove them with sharp, sterile pruning shears. Remove any low lying branches and stems so the bottom third of the trunk is branch-free. Make clean, flush cuts when removing the branches to promote rapid healing.
- 3). Create a natural-looking, triangular shape for the bird's nest with the base of the tree being the base of the triangle. Identify the branches that you want to remain on the tree and remove the unwanted branches. Create a staggering effect with the branches so each branch is slightly above or below the branch that rests on the opposite side of the trunk, as explained by Bonsai for Beginners (Styling Your Bonsai). Thin out the remaining interior branches and stems to ensure good circulation and light penetration throughout those areas.
- 4). Remove the newly pruned bird's nest from its original bindings or container. Trim down the root mass of the root-bound bird's nest with a sharp, sterile root hook. Comb the sides and bottom of the system gently with the hook to remove about a third of the mass. Skip this step if the root system is loosely packed and the roots are easily loosened with your fingers.
- 5). Crumble the excess soil gently away from the roots with your fingers and inspect the root system closely. Cut back any dead or wilted roots of the root mass with sterile shears. Consider using a sharp pair of scissors, rather than fine pruning shears, to avoid damaging the shears on the soil's hard areas and pebbles that are entwined in the root system. Cut back damaged roots so only the healthy areas remain. Trim the entire root system back about a third of the way.
- 6). Place the bird's nest in the center of the prepared container and fill the container with soil. Press the soil gently around the base to ensure its upright position. Water the newly potted bird's nest bonsai evenly with tepid water at soil level. Pour the water until it begins to flow evenly from the drainage holes. Add soil to the container, if necessary, to compensate for settling.
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