A Look at the Various Bonsai Styles

There are five traditional styles that you can shape your bonsai into as it grows. Some styles are perfect for beginners, while others are more appropriate for experienced bonsai artists. The style you choose should also be appropriate for the species you're growing. You want your tree to look the same as the full size version. Here's a look at the five basic styles.

1. Formal Upright. This is also called the Chokkan style. This style is best left to the experts because it's relatively difficult to achieve. It features a trunk that is perfectly straight and tapers naturally and evenly from base to apex. Its branches are symmetrically spaced. Recommended species: Juniper, Larch, and Pine.

2. Informal Upright. In this style, the trunk of the bonsai is bent slightly to the left or the right. Neither the trunk nor the branches should be pointing towards the viewer. Recommended species: Beech, Japanese Maple, and Trident Maple.

3. Slanting. Here the trunk leans at a noticeable angle, and can be either straight or curved. Heavy roots are encouraged to grow on the opposite side of from which the trunk leans. This provides support for the angled growth. Recommended species: Conifer.

4. Cascade. This is a lovely style that presents an image of branches seeking the light. The tip of the bonsai tapers below the bottom of the base of the pot. Recommended species: Those that are not strongly upright by nature.

5. Semi-Cascade. In a natural environment you will see this style among trees that overhang water or grow on a cliff. The tip of the bonsai projects over the rim of the pot but doesn't drop below its base. Exposed roots will help to balance the tree. Recommended species: Juniper, Cedar, and Flowering Cherry.

In order to truly master the art of bonsai styling, you need to observe trees in their natural environment and examine their growth patterns. When you are ready to start styling your bonsai, take a look at what it looks like naturally and that will help you choose the most suitable style. Start by learning the traditional styles, and over time you can modify it to give it your own personal flair. After all, bonsai is an art, not just a hobby, and you should be able to express yourself through it.