Bonsai are a wonderful way to cultivate a bit of nature in a small space. They can be beautiful and meditative, but they also require work on a daily basis to thrive. And while many people think that this type of art is reserved only for a few, the truth is that anyone can create and care for a bonsai. It’s not something that requires tons of money or fancy equipment, and it can even be done in an upcycled yogurt tub.
There are a few different styles of bonsai, and it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you. However, there are five basic categories that you can fall into: formal upright, informal upright, slanting, cascading, and semi-cascading. These are just guidelines, and you should only follow your tree’s guidance, as this is a living thing.
Slanted bonsai are meant to resemble trees in nature that have been bent and damaged by storms, wind, snow, or just the passing of time. In this style, the trunk line will often show contortions and branches that sag, and artists can use wire to help create this effect.
The bunjingi style is similar to the slanting bonsai in that the tree grows over the edge of its container, but it has the added feature of a cascading effect. This style allows the artist to create a small forest scene in their pot, and it is particularly popular with pine bonsai.