Styling your bonsai tree is among the most essential and rewarding elements of proudly owning one. Deciding on the type and determining how you can obtain it may be difficult, as there are such a lot of completely different bonsai types on the market. So let’s slender it down.
Historically, there are 5 most important types that bonsai timber fall into, however this isn’t to say they’re the one types. There are lots of extra. We’ll go over the normal types in addition to a number of the non-traditional which have been rising in popularity over the previous few hundred years (It’s an previous artwork!)
Beneath is a listing of the most typical bonsai types at this time. We’ll go over every and supply examples so you may get a greater thought of which type it is best to select to your bonsai tree!
- Conventional Bonsai Kinds
- Newer Bonsai Kinds
- PenJing Bonsai Kinds
Chokkan Type Bonsai
(Formal Upright)

That is the unique bonsai type. It’s not the simplest to excellent, but it surely’s beautiful when performed appropriately. In Chokkan type. The branches spiral up the tree, every consecutive department graduating at equal distances. For greatest outcomes, use the Golden Ratio to find out department places.
Greatest species for Chokkan Bonsai:
- Juniper Bonsai
- Pine Bonsai
- Maples (Acer) Bonsai
- Spruces
Listed below are some nice examples of Chokkan Type Bonsai Timber
Moyogi Type Bonsai
(Casual Upright)

This type tree is supposed to imitate a tree that has grown in a windy space over the course of years, which provides it a light-weight windswept look. For instance a solitary tree in an open area.
Greatest species for Moyogi Bonsai:
- Maple Bonsai (Especial Trident Maples)
- Juniper Bonsai
- Beech Bonsai
- Black Pine Bonsai
Shakan Type Bonsai
(Slanting)

This type of bonsai tree could be very common. It makes an attempt to imitate a tree that has been slanted by the wind or to develop out with a view to obtain extra daylight. Pines are presumably the most typical timber to make use of for Shakan type, however any species that has an extended trunk is an effective candidate for the type.
In Order to realize this impact, it would be best to develop the roots in order that they’re on the opposing aspect of the trunk than the branches. You’ll want to wire closely and preserve the tree oriented in direction of the solar. You may tilt the pot in order that the highest of the tree faces the solar and attempt to keep away from solar publicity to different elements. It’s possible you’ll want to chop a weep gap within the a part of the pot that faces down, to keep away from rot. This can take time.
Greatest species for Shakan Bonsai:
- Firethorn (Pyracantha) Bonsai
- Olive Bonsai
- Bougainvillea Bonsai
- Oak Bonsai
Fukinagashi Type Bonsai
(Windswept)

Windswept is generally a extra exaggerated model of the Shakan type above however with extra concentrate on the branches.
In an effort to obtain this look, you have to to tilt the pot and permit the plant to develop. The branches will begin redirecting to succeed in up. As time progresses, enhance the angle because the tree adapts. You’ll want to finish with a few 70-80 diploma angle. Trim any department that doesn’t develop together with the remainder.
Greatest species for Fukinagashi Bonsai:
- Juniper Bonsai
- Pine Bonsai
- Conifer
- Olive
- Beech
- Ficus
Hokidachi Type Bonsai
(Broom)

Broom type at all times has a straight vertical trunk that ought to ideally taper into the branches. Branches all level outwards like a Japanese fan. Hokidachi type is nice for any tree that has slender branches.
In nature, timber of this type are normally the strongest and boldest in a gaggle. They stand excessive and should not have to compete for daylight, thus the uniformed outward reaching branches.
Greatest species of Bonsai Tree for Hokidachi type:
- Most Elms (Chinese language Elm, Siberian Elm, English Elm)
- Beech
- Olive
- Cherry
Kengai Type Bonsai
(Cascade)

Cascaded bonsai timber are rising in popularity. They must be positioned above the bottom on a stool or small desk. With this type, the trunk begins off pointing upwards however then abruptly turns down.
In nature, Kengai type bonsai timber are sometimes discovered on cliffs or mountains.
Greatest species for Kengai Bonsai:
- Pines
- Junipers
- Spruces
- Wisterias
- Oaks
- Maples
Han Kengai Type Bonsai
(Semi- Cascade)

Semi-Cascading bonsai timber are a combination of some kinds of types. A twin trunk with one being casual upright, whereas the opposite cascading. Typically the cascading trunk turns again up. It’s as much as you which ones course it would find yourself getting into.
Greatest species for Kengai Bonsai:
- Pines
- Junipers
- Spruces
- Wisterias
- Oaks
- Maples
Bunjin Type Bonsai
(Literati)

That is extra of an method than a mode, so it has no exact definition. Literati bonsai are rebels and break many guidelines. It’s maybe among the best examples of the wabi-sabi approach, that means symmetrical asymmetry. Preserve it clear and complicated but additionally inventive and expressive.
Greatest species for Bunjin Bonsai:
We suggest sticking to sturdy and hearty deciduous species for the Litarie bonsai type, as this type is liable to a breaking trunk, over time.
Soju & Sokan Bonsai Kinds
(Twin Trunk)

Soju is when two trunks with separate root programs are planted aspect by aspect. Sokan is once they have a shared root system. The styling and aesthetics of those two are the identical so we’ve grouped them collectively.
This bonsai type can be utilized along side many different types however they are going to be thought-about Soju or Sokam.
One of the best species for Soju & Sokan Bonsai are:
- Pine Bonsai Timber
- Spruce Bonsai Timber
Weeping Type

One of the distinctive and delightful bonsai types. It mimics vegetation in excessive moisture areas close to giant our bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or ponds.
This type would require a lot of wiring. You’ll want to wire every department. Begin the wire going up after which sharply arch the branches till they’re going through downward. If you happen to’re new to wiring bonsai, there are many guides accessible.
Greatest species for Weeping Type Bonsai are:
Neagari Type Bonsai
(Uncovered Root)

The uncovered root is named Neagari. That is naturally because of soil erosion after the tree has developed.
Uncovered Root type of bonsai might be carried out with every other cover types. Simply expose the roots little by little. Air will harden them and type a bark. At this level, it’s secure to show extra roots. You are able to do this perpetually.
Greatest species for Neagari type Bonsai:
- Chinese language Elm
- Fig
- Oak
- Beech
- Black Pine
- Juniper
- Spruce
- Olive
- Rosemarry
Korabuki Type Bonsai
(Raft)

Raft-style bonsai timber are characterised by a tree laying on its aspect towards the soil, the place the branches develop upwards and mimic a number of timber. The trunk remains to be hooked up and fed by the unique root construction.
There are just a few several types of raft type bonsais:
- Straight Raft – The tree trunk is solely laid over and straight.
- Sinuous Raft – The tree trunk lays bent or twisted.
- Clump Raft – That is when the tree grows as a clump with 3 or extra trunks rising out of it. The trunks might be laid horizontal, twisted, or straight up.
Yose-ue Type Bonsai
(Forest)

It is a sort of straight raft bonsai. Every department sprouts horizontally, and the trunk is totally hidden with soil, given the impression that that is a number of separate timber. You may usually obtain the forest type by planting a number of bonsai’s side-by-side in the identical container, however it’s extra harmful because the separate timber will compete with one another for house and vitamins.
Greatest species for Yose-ue type Bonsai:
Maples
Pines
These commonest, however any species of bonsai tree might be made right into a Yose-ue forest.
Sekijoju Type Bonsai
(Root Over Rock)

This type of bonsai has a rock on the base of the trunk. The roots cross over and down the rock and proceed into the soil. Sekijoj type can take a very long time, because the roots will want time to grip the rock. The dimensions of the roots will enhance displaying age.
Ishituki Type
(Clinging On a Rock)

Ishituki type is when a bonsai tree isn’t planted immediately within the soil in any respect, however as a substitute, the roots latch onto the aspect or high of a giant rock. This may be one of many tougher bonsai types to realize however it’s price it. It’s additionally a good way to show an attention-grabbing or lovely rock.
Bonsai Tree Planted on a Slab
Planting a bonsai on a slab is a superb and spectacular strategy to showcase the fantastic thing about the tree with none consideration being misplaced on the bonsai pot. Ensure to decide on a slab of rock that’s pouros with a lot of nooks and crannies for the roots to latch on it.
Verify again sooner or later for extra types. We’re at all times rising and increasing this checklist.