How To Grow Bonsai – The 12 Amazing Styles

Owning miniaturized versions of bigger trees or bonsai trees please a lot of people not because they could own a tree and care for it, but because they can have fun having choosing from the different styles of bonsai trees. These styles are formal upright, informal upright, cascade, semi cascade, slant and windswept. These are the different types of bonsai trees available for shaping, training or forming. After choosing the styles, the bonsai lovers can choose specific pots for the specific style the bonsai tree is trained to be and decide which caring tips they need to grow the trees properly.

Upright styles of bonsai trees

Formal upright style is the style where the trunk of the tree is straight upwards and the first lower branches are far wider than the rest. The preceding branches will then proceed to shape an overall triangular look for the tree. This is a great shape for beginners to practice with. Trees that are suitable for these types of bonsai trees style are Pine, Larch, Juniper and Spruce. The informal upright style is similar to the formal upright except that the top branch needs to be extended forward instead of upwards. This lends the tree an impression of motion.

Slant style Bonsai

Even though most beginners tend towards the upright styles, the slant style that is more applicable to all trees. This is the style wherein the trunk extends to one direction while the lowest branch extends to the other direction. Some people would be comfortable to have this style for their first bonsai styling because it is very easy to shape and train.

Cascade style Bonsai

There are also the cascade and the semi cascade styles available. The cascade types of bonsai trees are those that have a sloping effect. The trunk is vertical and then is turned to one direction while the branches are trained to slope or cascade lower than the surface of the pot. The semi cascade is similar to the cascade except the trunk gradually slopes instead of turns to one direction.

Windswept style of Bonsai

Some people would have fun owning a bonsai tree that does not look too pretty and orderly. If so, they could choose the windswept style which is a miniature version of a tree that has been overwhelmed by strong winds. It looks a bit unruly and beautifully unkempt.

Pruning Bonsai is the key

These styles have been practiced for centuries as an art form. You can use the trimming and pruning methods in identifying the style of a bonsai, as this is one of the most important maintenance issues of this particular plant. The main objective of trimming and pruning the tree is to shape the bonsai into the desired form, and as well to reduce any growth taking place above the ground in order to maintain balance.