Mar 28th, 2009
Tips for Shaping Your Bonsai Tree to Perfection
One of the key characteristics of a bonsai tree is its shape. 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. Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to shaping bonsai trees. However, there are several profiles that are more widespread than others when it comes to bonsai shaping. Here’s a look at some of the most common shapes.
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. The branches of this style are all positioned near the top. The lower part of the trunk, which is bare, is usually elegantly twisted.
Formal and Informal Upright: Upright styles, both formal and informal, are another familiar approach to bonsai shaping. Trees in these forms are guided into an erect, upright position with a tapered trunk. The informal style features the well-known curves and bends which distinguish it from the formal shape.
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: This is a more advanced style of growing bonsais. It involves arranging a few bonsai trees in a single container in a pleasing arrangement. 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. But you won’t see four trees used in the same container, because the number four has certain connotations in Japan.
Cascading: One of the most striking shapes of bonsai trees is the cascade style. 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.
Even though these are the shapes most commonly found in bonsai plants, you might find some new style that appeals to you. 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.
Other articles you might like;
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- Vegetable Gardening For Beginners – 6 Easy Tips To Start You Off
- New Rock Bucket Adds Strength And Versatility
- Indoor Bonsai Trees
- Kitchen Design And Lighting Ideas
