What term best describes the way bonsai trees are cultivated?

The term that best describes the way bonsai trees are cultivated is "learned." Bonsai cultivation is an intricate art form that encompasses a variety of techniques and skills developed over time through practice and education. It involves understanding the biology of the tree species, mastering the trimming and training methods, and applying knowledge about soil, watering, and container gardening.

Bonsai artists often study traditional methods passed down through generations, yet they also adapt and innovate their techniques to achieve specific aesthetic and developmental goals for their trees. This process exemplifies a learned skill set rather than one that is inherited or predetermined.

In contrast, options like inherited suggest that bonsai cultivation relies solely on genetic or familial lines, which does not reflect the skill-based nature of this practice. The term mixed could imply a combination of techniques, but it does not capture the personal and developed expertise involved. Lastly, deciduous refers specifically to a type of tree that loses its leaves seasonally, which is irrelevant to the broader concept of how bonsai is cultivated.