There are several ways to dwarf bonsai.

Topping, coring and topping are aimed at tree bonsai with obvious trunk. Therefore, according to the overall concept, the upper end of the trunk can be sawed off, forcing plants to grow sideways and grow lateral branches, thus achieving dwarfing. Picking the heart is to remove the buds at the top of new branches in the process of tree growth and development, so as to promote axillary bud germination and inhibit the white growth of branches.

Banding and bandaging is the most common way to make bonsai. The stems and branches of bonsai are wrapped with brown silk or metal wire, which forces some nutrient channels to be blocked, thus forming the effect of local expansion and overall dwarfing.

Pruning through the overall pruning of bonsai, forming a bonsai shape, artificially reducing the height of plants, such as holly and other outdoor foliage plants, often use this method.

Picking leaves is a lot of preparation for participating in bonsai exhibition. Generally, all the old leaves are picked and water, fertilizer and light treatment are strengthened. The newly grown leaves are about twice as large as the original leaves. Some bonsai may have to pick leaves two or three times a year to keep their beauty. This method is often used in bonsai such as elm, pomegranate, Lagerstroemia indica, Vitex negundo, Ligustrum lucidum, Lagerstroemia indica and Lycium barbarum to dwarf and shrink the leaves.

Water control, fertilizer control and water control are appropriate "water withholding" to promote more differentiation of flower buds and achieve the overall dwarfing effect; Controlled fertilization means timely application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to potted flowers, less application of nitrogen fertilizer, and control of plant vegetative growth to achieve dwarfing.