The Basic Styles

The semi-cascade style or han-kengai is similar to the cascade style, except that this time, the trunk and the apex does not dip below the level of the container or pot base, even though they also grow outside the confines of the container area just like in the normal cascade style. The trunk of the […]

The cascade style or kengai is basically a style in which the bonsai trunk and crown growing downward and below the level of its container. The overall shape of the cascade is triangular with long flowing branches. This cascading tree form is not frequently found in nature, except along streams or cliffs, but it is […]

The slanting style or shakan is an elegant style that espouses the ideals of a tree in a natural, conversational style that depicts the buffeting of the natural elements such as wind and storms. In the natural state, many trees slant and sometimes topple as a result of being unable to withstand strong winds. The […]

The informal upright or miyogi is a variant of the formal upright in the sense of being more “casual”. It is usually styled to be somewhat asymmetrical, at the expense of vertical and horizontal regularity. This style is perhaps the easiest of all the styles in growing bonsai. If you’re a beginner to growing bonsai […]

The style often recommended for new beginners to bonsai growing is the formal upright, or chokkan style. It is just a straight forward style that most resembles the tree in its full grown native state. So, what you’re trying to do is just to recreate the form of your bonsai tree in a suitably miniaturized […]

Over the years, many bonsai artists have developed and refined the styles of bonsai. The major rule to observe is that certain species are more suited to a certain style, so you shouldn’t try to force your way on them. However, the art of growing bonsai trees is also down to how you would interpret […]