Bonsai means “tree in a tray” and is the ancient oriental art of growing minature trees. These bonsai plants typically consist of trees or shrubs grown in small containers or bonsai pots using special techniques to produce dwarf size plants. The aim is to mimic the full size plant but in its smaller bonsai alternative.

The art of growing bonsai plants follows the mimicing of nature and bonsai gardeners will use containers and trays to give an authentic and natural look to the planting. Proportionally sized ornaments are often used to enhance the realistic look of the plant. For example, small toy size benches under a tree to make it seem like a genuine scaled down version of a full size tree.

The plants are formed by pruning, cutting and shaping the tree as it grows. In the past, bonsai were obtained by finding a suitable plant growing naturally and replanting it. Nowadays, you can buy bonsai plants as seeds or shoots or part grown plants. In fact, for those just starting out in this wonderful hobby, these part grown or mature plants can be easier to work with. The beginner can learn to shape and prune these trees whilst developing the technique.

Choosing good bonsai pots can be as much of a skill as the choice of the bonsai plant itself and many gardeners deliberate for some time over their choice of container. Bonsai pots can be bought specifically or sometimes a container meant for another purpose can provide a good setting for planting.

There are several varieties of plants that can be used for bonsai, these include traditional varieties such as the juniper, the jade and the fig. Conifers or evergreens are also regularly used for bonsai as well.

With proper care and attention your bonsai plants should last for several years. They are hardy plants that grow slowly, usually require sunlight during their growing season and become dormant during the winter months. If planting indoors, you can provide artificial lighting to provide a regulated environment in which the bonsai can grow and thrive.

Cultivating bonsai plants can be a fun and rewarding hobby.

When bonsai artists first began practicing their art, they usually used the same species repeatedly. Today, depending on the person you talk to, you may find them describe two, five or more styles of bonsai. In the next section, we will talk about the more common forms, or “types,” and styles of bonsai popular today.

Keep in mind when reading this list it is not comprehensive. You will find however, the more common types or styles of bonsai listed in this book. These styles are well suited to novice and experienced bonsai practitioners alike.

Bonsai Tree Styles
There are many different styles or types of bonsai. You may find one appeals to you much more so than another. If a beginning bonsai master, you may find it helpful to seek guidance from someone that has experience creating bonsai ornamental trees. This can further the education you receive in this book tremendously.

The key to good bonsai is learning as much as you can about bonsai before you prune your first tree. To help you, let us begin by explaining the primary styles of bonsai. There are two primary styles of bonsai, the classic style and the informal style. Many call these the “koten” style and the “bunjin” style. Often in the classic style a tree or plant with a wide trunk is used, one that narrows toward the upper half of the tree. The bunjin style uses a narrow trunk that expands as the tree grows taller.

Depending on the person or reference you consult, you may find many other styles of bonsai explained or described. Remember bonsai is a tradition that has a long history, thus many people interpret it in many different ways.

Within each of the two primary styles of bonsai there are multiple categories. Some call them “categories” “styles” or “types” so keep in mind these terms are sometimes used to describe the same thing! Sometimes, every aspect of bonsai seems confusing, but not when explained to you like this!

In this section, you will learn more about each of these categories (styles, types of bonsai). They are:

Bonsai Tree Styles At A Glance
Formal Or Upright Bonsai Style,
Informal “Relaxed” Bonsai Style,
Slanting Bonsai Style, and
Cascade and Semi-Cascade

Each of these categories has an appeal that is unique in its own right and deserves further explanation.

Camellia bonsai trees often respond well to the manipulations a bonsai artist exposes it to throughout its lifetime. Many grow flowers that are alluring and easily cultivated. There are over 250 species of Camellia to choose from, each with unique characteristics and needs.

The Camellia is very sensitive to cold temperatures, and does need some shade. If you live in the desert, you probably do not want to adopt a member of this family.

Camellia bonsai trees often feed every other week, more often than many species, but only requires potting every third year. The most important fact to know about camellia is the species will not thrive if lime is present in the soil mix, so make sure you keep lime and your camellia separated. Hardy and flowering plants, many can tolerate even vigorous pruning. Like the fuchsia family, members of camellia can easily propagate a yard or garden. This type of bonsai is susceptible more so than other species to certain diseases and insects.