Bonsai trees have been loved and appreciated for centuries. This ancient art form takes natural trees and transforms them into miniature masterpieces through selective pruning and training. The end result is a work of art that captures the essence of nature, while also reflecting the creativity and vision of the bonsai artist.
In this article, we’ll explore different bonsai styles as each one can give your tree a unique look. We’ll also discuss how to create each style and what type of tree is best suited for it. So if you’re looking to add a little variety to your bonsai collection, read on!
Basic Bonsai Styles
There are five basic styles:
- Formal upright
- Informal upright
- Slanting style
- Cascade style
- Semi-cascade style
Formal Upright (Chokkan)
The formal upright bonsai is the most common style for beginners. In this style, the tree is grown with a perfectly straight trunk with symmetrical branches on both sides. The leaves should be evenly spaced along the branches, and the overall look should be balanced and harmonious.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Juniper
- Maple
- Pine
- Spruce
- Cypress
Informal Upright (Moyogi)
The informal upright bonsai is similar to the formal upright, but the trunk is allowed to have a slight curve and the branches are not as evenly spaced. This style is more relaxed than the formal upright and can be achieved with most types of bonsai trees.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Japanese Maple
- Beech
- White Pine
- Crab Apple
- Juniper
- Pomegranate
Slanting Style (Shakan)
The slanting bonsai is created by growing the tree at an angle, usually towards the front of the pot. This style is often suitable for bonsai trees that have a lot of curves and twists in their trunk and branches.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Japanese White Pine
- Juniper
- Beech
- Japanese Cedar
- Crab Apple
- Trident Maple
- Most Conifers
Cascade Style (Kengai)
The cascade style bonsai is created to look like a tree that is growing over a cliff. In this style, the tree is grown with its trunk hanging down over the edge of the pot. The branches should extend down towards the ground and be evenly spaced along the trunk.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Japanese Maple
- Chinese Juniper
- Japanese White Pine
- Mountain Pine
- Scotch Pine
- Weeping Cherry
- Ficus Tree
- Most Conifers
Semi-Cascade (Han-Kengai)
Semi-cascade bonsai style is a less dramatic version of the cascade style. In this style, the trunk also hangs down over the rim of the pot, but the branches are not as extended and do not reach as far down. Also, the trunk isn’t grown to hang below the bottom of the pot.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Japanese Maple
- Japanese White Pine
- Mountain Pine
- Scotch Pine
- Weeping Cherry
- Ficus Tree
- Most Conifers
Other Bonsai Styles
Broom Style (Hokidachi)
The broom style bonsai is a very popular style, characterized by its low and wide trunk with a rounded crown. The branches grow downwards and outwards from the trunk in all directions, giving the tree a relaxed and informal appearance. Deciduous trees are often used for this style.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Siberian Elm
- English Elm
- Chinese Elm
- Japanese Maple
- Japanese Zelkova
- Pomegranate
- Brush Cherry
- Crab Apple
Double Trunk (Sokan)
The double trunk bonsai is characterized by two trunks growing from the same root system. These trunks can be of different sizes, but are usually of similar thickness. The branches on each trunk grow in opposite directions to create a balanced and symmetrical appearance. This style is often used with conifers, but it can be used with other types of trees as well.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Japanese Beech
- Japanese Maple
- Japanese White Pine
- Ponderosa Pine
- Juniper
- Spruce
- Olive
- Japanese Zelkova
Multi-Trunk (Kabudachi)
The multiple trunk bonsai is a tree that has more than two trunks growing from the same root system. This style can be used with many different types of bonsai trees, but it works best with conifers.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Japanese Beech
- Japanese Maple
- Black Pine
- Japanese White Pine
- Japanese Zelkova
- Crab Apple
- Beech
Exposed Root (Neagari)
The exposed root bonsai is a tree that has the roots growing out of the pot and into the air. The trunk and branches grow upwards from these roots, giving the tree a tall and slender appearance.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Black Pine
- Trident
- Juniper
- Ficus
Root Over Rock Style (Sekijoju)
The root-over-rock bonsai style is one of the most easily recognizable bonsai tree styles. In this style, the roots of the tree are deliberately exposed and wrapped around a rock or stone. The tree itself is usually small and compact, with a slender trunk and delicate leaves.
This style is said to represent the strength and tenacity of the tree, as it seems to be growing against all odds. If you’re interested in creating a root-over-rock bonsai, it’s important to choose a tree that has strong and healthy roots.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Ponderosa Pine
- Beech
- Trident Maple
- Crab Apple
- Pomegranate
Raft Style (Ikadabuki)
The raft style imitates the shape of a tree that has been blown over by the wind and is lying on its side. The trunk grows horizontally along the surface of the soil, while the branches grow upward from the upper side of the trunk. The bark on the lower side of the trunk is often nicked to promote the growth of roots.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Chinese Elm
- Pine
- Juniper
- Ficus
Forest Style (Yose-ue)
As its name suggests, the forest style bonsai is a type of bonsai where the trees are planted in a group, with their branches intertwining to create an effect that resembles a forest. You can either use one species of tree, or multiple. This style is perfect for those who want to create a bonsai that looks like it’s part of a larger ecosystem.
Recommended Species for This Style:
There are a number of species suitable for this style, so here are just a few:
- Japanese Beech
- Juniper
- Japanese Maple
- Larch
- Pine
Literati Style (Bunjin)
The literati style bonsai focuses on simplicity and elegance. The trunk is often long and slender, with few branches. The branches are also slender and curve elegantly, giving the tree a delicate appearance. All the foliage is concentrated at the top of the tree, making it look like a small bush or tree.
The literati style is one of the most difficult styles to create, and it can take years to perfect. Therefore, it is best suited for experienced bonsai enthusiasts.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Juniper
- Japanese Red Pine
- Black Pine
- Cedar
Weeping Style (Shidare-Zukuri)
The weeping style is one of the most popular styles of bonsai. As the name suggests, this style features a tree with branches that droop down, often resembling a willow tree.
To create a weeping style bonsai, start with an informal upright or slanting trunk. Then, allow the branches to grow long and droop down. Finally, trim the branches to create the desired shape.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Weeping Willow
- Tamarisk
- Weeping Cherry
Windswept Style (Fukinagashi)
The windswept bonsai is characterized by a trunk that curves to one side as if it has been blown by the wind. The leaves are also often asymmetrical.
This style is perfect for those who want to create a sense of movement and dynamism in their bonsai garden. It is also one of the most difficult styles to master, so it is perfect for those who are looking for a challenge.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- Juniper
- Privet
- Most evergreen species
Driftwood Style (Sharimiki)
A driftwood style bonsai tree is created to look like it has been weathered and worn down by the elements, often with a gnarled and twisted trunk. In addition, most of the trunk is deadwood. This effect can be created by bark stripping, a technique where the artist carefully removes the bark from the tree, or by artificially aging the wood.
Recommended Species for This Style:
- English Yew
- Juniper
Conclusion
Bonsai is an incredibly intricate art form that takes many years to master. Once you have decided on the species and style of your bonsai, you need to make sure that its environment is optimal for its growth. With a little bit of research, some careful planning, and good care, you can create a beautiful work of art that will be enjoyed for years to come.
FAQ
How many bonsai styles are there?
There is no definitive answer to this question as bonsai artists are always finding new ways to style their trees. However, there are five basic styles, which include formal upright, informal upright, slanting, semi-cascade, and full cascade.
How do I choose a bonsai shape?
There are many different bonsai shapes to choose from, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. The most important thing is to select a shape that compliments the natural growth pattern of your tree.
What is meant by the cascade style of bonsai?
The cascade style bonsai should imitate the shape of a tree falling or cascading over the side of a cliff. The branches and leaves flow downwards in a natural looking way. This style is meant to evoke feelings of drama and grandeur.
One of the most important aspects of creating a cascade bonsai is to make sure the tree has a strong sense of movement. This can be achieved by choosing a suitable pot and planting angle, as well as pruning the branches in a way that encourages them to grow downwards.
What is clump style bonsai?
Clump style bonsai is a form of bonsai that features a group of trees or shrubs growing together. The trunks and branches of these plants grow in close proximity to each other, forming a clump.
This style can be used for both deciduous and evergreen plants. Clump style bonsai is often used to create the illusion of a small forest. This style can be quite striking when done well, and is perfect for those who want to show off their bonsai skills.
How to shape a bonsai tree?
There is no single answer to this question as bonsai styles can vary greatly. However, most bonsai trees are shaped using basic techniques such as wiring, pruning and pinching.
Wiring is a technique that uses copper or aluminum wire to shape the branches of the tree. Pruning involves cutting off unwanted branches, and pinching is a method of removing the tips of branches to control their growth.
It’s important to note that bonsai trees should always be shaped gradually, and never forced into a particular style.
