Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners – you too can try it. In nature, trees that grow in particular regions or climates, have its own special features. For example, in a place where heavy wind blows, the trees grow in a slanting way. Likewise, with proper training we can make bonsai trees in such a way, to give it the natural look. Usually, the different styles are based on the orientation of the trunks. Here I am introducing a few basic bonsai styles, that are simple and easy to follow.
1. Formal Upright Style.
Truly, we can find this style where trees are exposed to direct sunlight. Usually the trunks are straight, thicker at the bottom and tapering gradually towards the tip. Also the branches start growing from 1/4 the length of the trunk from the base. The branches are distributed in such a way that the longer ones at the bottom, and shortens towards the tip. Actually, this symmetry gives a triangular shape to the bonsai. Coniferous trees like Juniper, Pine etc. are the best ones for making the formal upright style bonsai. Also we can try trees like Ficus benjamina, retusa etc. in tropical regions.
2. Informal Upright Style.
The informal upright style is somewhat similar to the formal upright. The tip of the trees are directly above the base, but the trunks are slightly twisted. Definitely, we can make an informal upright bonsai through proper training and wiring.
3. Slanting Style Bonsai.
In nature, trees tend to grow sideways in a slanting style due to certain factors like heavy wind, snow fall etc. Surely we can train our bonsai plants to this style. The Jade tree, Bougainville etc are suitable for the slanting style.
4. Cascade Style Bonsai.
Trees growing on high rocks or cliffs tend to bend downwards like a cascade. Surely, we can make cascade style bonsai through proper training and wiring. Usually, we use tall pots for growing cascade style bonsai.
5. Semi Cascade Style Bonsai.
This style is more or less like the cascade style. First, the tree grows upright for a short length and bend sideways. But the trunk never goes below the bottom of the pot.
6. Broom Style Bonsai.
In this style, the trees have an upright trunk with branches spreading around at the tip like an umbrella. Surely, we can train a lot of trees like Ficus longisland etc to the broom style.
7. Forest Style Bonsai.
In this style, we grow and train a group of trees, especially that belong to the same species. Usually the group contains odd numbers of trees with the tallest one in the middle.
In short, the bonsai styles mentioned above, are the commonly found ones. Preferably, the Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners. However, try to grow your own as it is much easier for you to grow and maintain these styles.
There are a lot more bonsai styles, that are really awesome and attractive. Of course, I will try to share about it in my next post.
