Bonsai Tree Styles

Bonsai Tree Styles



When styling and designing a bonsai it is important to look closely at the tree and examine the different possibilities that present themselves. Decide first whether you are trying to create a young, old or ancient tree and let the tree help you determine what your objectives should be. Remember that you are unlikely to achieve a convincing aged looking tree from a five year old sapling. Young trees in the wild tend to have upward growing branches, whereas the branches of older trees will have been pulled downwards over the years, as a result of the extra weight of their branches and foliage. In most cases the tree will help you choose the style and you should not approach the potential bonsai with fixed ideas. For example, you cannot create a formal upright bonsai from a tree with a curved trunk. Do bear in mind that bonsai rules in general are for guidance only and do not necessarily have to be strictly adhered to. Look to nature for inspiration, as bonsai styles have not been invented, but actually recreate the ways that different trees grow in their natural environments.




Bonsai Tree Styles: Formal Upright - Chokkan
Bonsai Tree Styles: Informal Upright - Moyogi
Bonsai Tree Styles: Literati - Bunjingi
Bonsai Tree Styles: Windswept - Fukinagashi
Bonsai Tree Styles: Cascade - Kengai
Bonsai Tree Styles: Twin Trunk - Sokan
Bonsai Tree Styles: Root Over Rock - Sekijoju
Bonsai Tree Styles: Bonsai Root On Rock - Ishitsuki
Bonsai Tree Styles: Bonsai Driftwood - Sharimiki
Bonsai Tree Styles: Bonsai Group Planting - Yose-Ue
Bonsai Tree Styles: Bonsai Broom - Hokidachi

Other popular bonsai styles include:

• Bonsai Tree Styles: Slanting - trunk leaning to one side, with branches on both sides - apex to one side of the base
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Semi Cascade - growing in a gentle downwards and horizontal direction, but not below the base of the pot
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Triple Trunk - tree with three trunks, usually originating at soil level
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Clump - several trunks grow from the roots of one tree, creating a small woodland effect
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Raft - tree lying on its side with branches growing from the trunk to form a group of trees
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Weeping - informal upright tree with branches weeping vertically - usual willow, birch or tamarix
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Candle Flame - upwards branches form a flame shape - typically associated with ginkgos
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Two Tree - two separate trees planted close together, resembling a twin trunk
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Octopus - multi-trunk variant with many twisted trunks - usually pines
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Split Trunk - trunk has been literally split to form separate elements
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Exposed Root - base of trunk is formed by heavy, woody, exposed roots
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Twisted Trunk - trunk that appears to twist and spiral - often seen with pomegranates
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Coiled Trunk - grotesque, with severe bends in the trunk
• Bonsai Tree Styles: Landscape - group of trees planted with rocks to form a realistic miniature landscape

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Bonsai Tree Information

Bonsai Tree Styles

Bonsai Tree Repotting and Root Pruning

Choosing Bonsai Tree Pots

Watering Bonsai Trees

Feeding Bonsai Trees

Bonsai Tree Situation and Position

Bonsai Tree Pruning, Trimming and Pinching

Bonsai Tree Leaf Pruning

Bonsai Tree Tools

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Choosing Bonsai Trees and Sources

Bonsai Tree Pests

Bonsai Tree Diseases

Displaying Bonsai in your Home

Exhibiting Bonsai

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Displaying Bonsai in your Garden

Bonsai Top Tips

Bonsai Season Planner

Glossary of Bonsai Terms

Bonsai Tree Case Histories

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