This article is from my eBook, “How to Grow and Care for Your Bonsai Tree” which is yours for free!
So, what is a Bonsai?
Bonsai means many things to many people. Some people see it as a cruel way to stunt the growth of a tree, whilst others (like myself) see it as an art form. Let me assure you right now that growing a tree in a container is in no way hurting or damaging your tree. It is not cruel – indeed, if properly looked after your Bonsai could 
quite conceivably outlive its full-size counterpart of the same species.
So, what is a Bonsai?
Literally translated Bonsai means ‘tree in a pot’. However, there is a bit more to it than that.
To really get into the spirit of Bonsai you will need to consider the shape of your tree, the way the branches are formed and even what type of pot it will live in! This is because, as I mentioned earlier, Bonsai is an art form. Like a painting or a drawing, the shape and style of your Bonsai will be influenced by you and your imagination.
A Bonsai is a normal tree that is kept small in size by restricting its growth through containment. This containment is achieved by limiting the size of the root ball, and by pruning its branches. The tree is then ‘shaped’ and ‘styled’ to look like a real tree that can be found in the wild. It is this smallness in size and likeness to a real tree found in the wild that defines a Bonsai. Unlike its larger cousin, a Bonsai relies completely on you for all of its needs. This is because the tree is living in a relatively small container and therefore it cannot spread its roots in search of more water, it can not outgrow pests and if kept out of sunlight it can not make its own food.
Don’t worry, looking after your Bonsai is not that difficult. It just requires you to understand and follow some basic rules.
Bonsai Styles
As we know, a Bonsai is supposed to look like an old tree but in miniature form. This is achieved through regular pruning, however to make your Bonsai look old in appearance is a little more challenging. One of the best ways to achieve the ‘old’ look is to study trees in their natural environment and then begin to apply what you see to your tree.
Fortunately for us, the Japanese have been studying trees for centuries and in doing so have developed a number of styles that can be used to help guide us in shaping our tree. These styles should be considered as guides – do not try to apply them rigidly.
Upright Style
This style is divided into two groups; the formal upright and the informal upright. Both are characterised by the trunk forming the main axis of the tree which extends from the roots to the tip of the tree. Branches, which should be generally horizontal, should not emerge from the same point on the trunk, but should alternate on each side of the tree. In the top third of the tree, branches may extend forward to the observer.
As the name would suggest, the formal upright style sees the tree standing tall and straight. The informal upright style is more relaxed with the trunk being allowed to twist in a series of S-bends. However, branches should only emerge from the outer edge of the bend.
Broom Style
In the Broom style the branch divides into three or more branches that each grow diagonally upwards forming a broad crown. This style is typically limited to foliage trees.
Slanting Style
The trunk in the slanting style grows straight, but at an angle. To make this style work the main roots need to be spread out to provide the tree stability.
Windswept Style
Caused in nature by prevailing winds, this style has the trunk and branches all growing in the same direction. Again, strong roots are required.
Cascade Style
This is a dramatic and unusual style taken from trees that grow on the edges of cliffs. The tip of the trunk is no longer the highest point of the tree because it hangs below the rim of the container. For this reason the container must be a lot deeper than a conventional Bonsai container. The deeper container is needed for both stability of the tree and for overall appearance.
Semi-cascade Style
Similar to the Cascade style, however the trunk of the tree does not drop below the rim of the container.
Multiple Trunks
As the name suggests this style has many trunks (three or more) emerging from the one root system. Traditionally, there should always be an odd number of trunks, and they should vary in height. Try to ensure that the tallest trunks are also the thickest, and that all the trunks come together to form one crown.
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