The shape of a bonsai tree is what sets it apart from other plants. When you grow a bonsai, it's not just another plant. Many people consider it to be an art, and spend much time sculpting their tree. Bonsai trees can be shaped into almost any form that you desire. Yet there are a few silhouettes that are more commonly found in bonsai shaping. Following are some of the favorite styles.
Literati: The most common shape of bonsai tree is the literati style, and this is what most people visualize when they think of a bonsai. The literati shape consists of a bare trunk and hardly any branches. In this style, all the branches are located at the top of the tree. The lower part of the trunk, which is bare, is usually elegantly twisted.
Informal and Formal Upright: Both of these styles are also well known among the various bonsai shapes. Trees in these forms are guided into an erect, upright position with a tapered trunk. The familiar bends and curves of the informal style differentiate it from the formal shaping technique.
Slanting: There are similarities between the slanting style and the formal upright bonsai in regards to the straight trunk. The only difference is that the trunk slants at an angle, either to the right or left of the base.
Forest: An advanced form of bonsai gardening is the forest style, which consists of artistically grouping several bonsais in one container. The trees are of varying heights, which gives the perception of depth. Most often, there are at least three trees that make up the forest style, and it's usually an odd number of plants. However, four trees are never used in one pot, as the number four has implications in Japan.
Cascade: This is one of the most distinctive shapes among bonsai plants. This style resembles a tree growing on the mountain or gracefully dipping its branches over the water. The top of the tree flows to one side and grows to the foot of its container or just beneath it.
Although these shapes are the most frequently used for styling a bonsai tree, you may discover a new fashion that you prefer. But you should always start off with a basic style if you don't have experience in shaping bonsais. When you become skilled at this, you can start adding some distinctive touches of your own. Remember, bonsai care and shaping is an art.
