Bonsai is not just about growing miniature trees—it’s an art form that combines horticulture with design principles to create beautiful, miniature landscapes. One of the key aspects of bonsai cultivation is shaping your tree into various classical styles, each with its own unique aesthetic and meaning. These styles, which have been developed over centuries in Japan, not only reflect natural beauty but also express different moods and concepts. In this post, we’ll explore some of the classic bonsai styles: Formal Upright, Informal Upright, Slanting, Cascade, and more, to help you understand their origins and how to create them in your own bonsai.

1. Formal Upright (Chokkan)

Characteristics:

The Formal Upright style is one of the most traditional and iconic bonsai styles. It is characterized by a straight, vertical trunk, with the branches evenly spaced along the trunk. The apex (top) of the tree is aligned directly above the base, and the tree generally has a symmetrical form. The trunk should taper as it rises, becoming thinner toward the top.

When to Use:

This style is ideal for trees with a strong, straight trunk, such as pines, junipers, and maples. The Formal Upright represents the strength and stability of nature, often symbolizing resilience and endurance.

How to Create:

  • Start with a straight trunk, and avoid using a tree with any significant curve or twist.

  • The first branches should be positioned to create an even, balanced shape, with a tapering trunk that becomes thinner toward the apex.

  • Prune the tree regularly to maintain its symmetry and ensure a clean, upright appearance.

2. Informal Upright (Moyogi)

Characteristics:

The Informal Upright style is a more naturalistic and dynamic variation of the Formal Upright. Unlike the rigid straight trunk of the Formal style, the Informal Upright features a trunk with gentle curves, bends, and twists, which adds character and movement to the tree. While the trunk may bend, it still follows an upward direction, and the branches are typically arranged to maintain balance.

When to Use:

This style is suitable for trees with naturally curving trunks, such as ficus, junipers, or elms. The Informal Upright is often considered a more realistic representation of trees found in nature, as many trees grow with slight curves and imperfections.

How to Create:

  • Choose a tree with a naturally curved trunk or one that can be bent to create curves.

  • Ensure the curves are balanced, with the trunk following a gentle, upward direction.

  • Position the branches in a way that complements the curves, typically with the lowest branches being the largest, tapering as you move upward.

3. Slanting (Shakan)

Characteristics:

The Slanting style involves a tree that appears to be leaning to one side. The trunk slants at an angle, often to the right or left, which gives the tree a sense of motion and tension. This style mimics the appearance of a tree that has been affected by wind or other environmental factors, causing it to grow at an angle. The branches are typically positioned in a way that enhances the slanting movement of the tree.

When to Use:

The Slanting style is best for trees that have a naturally leaning trunk or can be trained to slant in a desired direction. This style works well for trees like junipers, pines, or even tropical species like ficus.

How to Create:

  • Select a tree with a trunk that has a natural lean or can be bent to slant in a particular direction.

  • The trunk should be angled at about 45 degrees to create a sense of dynamic movement.

  • The branches should be arranged so that the lower branches are on the opposite side of the slant, with the upper branches tapering in the same direction as the trunk.

4. Cascade (Kengai)

Characteristics:

The Cascade style is one of the most dramatic and visually striking bonsai styles. In this style, the tree’s trunk cascades downward, often going below the base of the pot. The branches also hang downward, following the curve of the trunk, creating a sense of falling or overhanging. The Cascade style is typically used to represent a tree that has been shaped by harsh environmental conditions, such as strong winds or growing near cliffs.

When to Use:

This style is often used for trees with flexible trunks, like junipers, pines, or willows, that can be trained to grow downward. The Cascade style is particularly effective with tree species that have long, trailing branches.

How to Create:

  • The trunk should start by growing vertically but eventually cascade downward.

  • The trunk should bend downward at an angle of around 60-80 degrees, going beyond the edge of the pot.

  • The branches should follow the downward direction of the trunk, becoming smaller as they reach the bottom.

5. Semi-Cascade (Han-Kengai)

Characteristics:

The Semi-Cascade style is a variation of the Cascade style, where the trunk falls downward but does not go below the level of the pot. The trunk typically slants downward at a 45-degree angle, with the branches following suit. The Semi-Cascade is less extreme than the full Cascade but still retains a dramatic and dynamic form.

When to Use:

This style is often suited for trees with a more flexible or adaptable growth habit, such as junipers, pines, and some deciduous trees.

How to Create:

  • Begin with a straight trunk that gently curves downward at an angle.

  • The trunk should remain above the pot's edge, with the branches following the curve and tapering downward.

6. Windswept (Fukinagashi)

Characteristics:

The Windswept style is meant to mimic the appearance of a tree that has been shaped and bent by constant wind. The trunk of the tree leans to one side, and the branches are arranged to appear as though they have been blown in the same direction, often with no branches on the opposite side of the trunk.

When to Use:

The Windswept style works well with trees that have flexible branches and trunks, such as junipers or pines. It’s ideal for creating a sense of struggle against nature’s forces, symbolizing perseverance.

How to Create:

  • Start with a tree that has a naturally flexible trunk and branches.

  • The trunk should lean to one side, with the branches positioned in the same direction, as if swept by the wind.

  • The side opposite the wind should have few, if any, branches.

7. Broom (Hokidachi)

Characteristics:

The Broom style is a more symmetrical and neat style, characterized by a single, straight trunk with a rounded crown of evenly spaced branches. The tree’s form resembles a broom, with a clear tapering trunk and branches that spread out like a fan.

When to Use:

The Broom style is best for trees with a strong, straight trunk and branches that can be evenly spaced. Deciduous trees such as maples, oaks, and hornbeams are well-suited for this style.

How to Create:

  • Choose a tree with a straight trunk and a clear, central leader (main trunk).

  • Prune the branches so they grow evenly around the trunk, creating a fan-like shape.

Final Thoughts

Bonsai styles are not just about shaping trees; they are about capturing the essence of nature in miniature form. Each style offers its own unique expression and can convey a different mood or symbolism. Whether you prefer the formal, symmetrical lines of the Formal Upright or the dramatic, cascading movement of the Cascade style, there is a bonsai style to suit every gardener’s taste and vision.

As you embark on your bonsai journey, experiment with these classic styles, and allow your tree to evolve naturally. Each tree has its own personality, and with the right care and patience, you can create a stunning work of living art.

Which bonsai style speaks to you the most? Let us know in the comments below!