Different Bonsai Styles and How to Choose the Right One for You

What Is a Bonsai Style and Why Does It Matter?

When people first start learning bonsai, they often focus on tree species, but style is just as important. A bonsai style defines the visual shape, structure, and direction of growth of the tree. It’s how you interpret nature in miniature form.

Unlike bonsai species, which determine what kind of tree you’re growing, the style tells the story: Is your tree clinging to a cliff? Standing proud in the open sun? Swept by wind on a mountainside?

Each bonsai style reflects natural patterns and influences how you train and shape your tree over time.

Some styles are formal and symmetrical. Others are wild, emotional, or abstract. Choosing the right one depends not just on what looks good, but on the tree’s characteristics, your skill level, and what you want to express.

Bonsai Styles Overview & Deep Dive

Before we get into individual styles, here’s a quick reference chart comparing the most common ones.

Quick Style Comparison Table

Style Name	Shape Summary	Best For	Skill Level
Formal Upright	Straight trunk, tapering form.	Conifers	Beginner-friendly
Informal Upright	Graceful trunk curves.	Most species	Beginners/ Hobbyists
Slanting	Leaning angle with balance; naturalistic designs.	Pines, maples	Intermediate
Cascade	Droops below the pot.	Junipers, pines	Advanced
Semi-Cascade	Drops slightly below the rim; compact drama.	Shrubs, conifers	Intermediate
Literati	Sparse, expressive line.	Pines	Advanced
Broom	Fan-like canopy.	Deciduous trees	Beginner-friendly
Multi-Trunk	Several trunks, shared base; natural forest feel.	Ficus, elm	Intermediate
Windswept	Leaning branches, one-way flow; dramatic storytelling.	Junipers, trees with flexible branching	Advanced
Root-Over-Rock	Roots hug stone; symbolic.	Ficus, trees with strong roots	Advanced
Forest / Group	Multiple trees, one pot; landscape scenes.	Maples, elms, trees with small leaves	Advanced

Now let’s look at each one more closely.

1. Formal Upright (Chokkan)

Inspired by trees that grow tall and straight in open areas with consistent sunlight. This style features a perfectly straight trunk with gradual taper and symmetrical branches.

Best for: Pines, spruces, and beginners learning the basics of structure.

2. Informal Upright (Moyogi)

Mimics trees shaped by shifting light or mild winds, with graceful curves and natural balance. A very flexible style and one of the most popular.

Best for: Almost any species — great for beginners and hobbyists.

3. Slanting (Shakan)

Inspired by trees growing on slopes or affected by wind. The trunk leans, but the tree remains balanced.

Best for: Pines, maples, and trees with directional movement in their trunk.

4. Cascade (Kengai)

Represents trees that hang over cliffs or riverbanks, with the apex below the pot’s base.
A visually dramatic style that requires advanced bonsai wiring and support.

Best for: Junipers, pines. For experienced growers only.

5. Semi-Cascade (Han-Kengai)

Like Cascade, but the drop stops just below the pot rim. Balanced, compact, and easier to manage indoors.

Best for: Shrubs and conifers with strong flexible branches.

6. Literati (Bunjin-gi)

A sparse, abstract style inspired by Chinese brush painting. The trunk is often long and twisted with minimal foliage.

Best for: Pines and other species that thrive with minimalist design. Requires artistic vision.

7. Broom (Hokidachi)

Replicates trees growing in open fields with branches radiating evenly from a straight trunk. Symmetrical and clean, often used for deciduous trees with fine branching.

Best for: Elms, hornbeams, and maples.

8. Multi-Trunk Styles (Sokan, Kabudachi, etc.)

Two or more trunks emerge from one root system, giving a natural woodland appearance.
Adds complexity and balance to a composition.

Best for: Species that develop dense root systems, like ficus or elm.

9. Windswept (Fukinagashi)

All elements — trunk, branches, and foliage — lean in one direction as if shaped by constant wind. A story driven style that requires careful styling and wire work.

Best for: Junipers and trees with flexible branching.

10. Root-Over-Rock (Seki-joju)

Shows roots gripping and growing over a rock, symbolizing strength and perseverance.
Visually striking but slow to develop.

Best for: Ficus and trees with strong, exposed root potential.

11. Forest / Group Planting (Yose-ue)

Multiple trees in one container arranged to mimic a natural forest.
Requires composition planning but creates strong visual impact.

Best for: Maples, elms, and species with small leaves.

How to Choose the Right Style for Your Tree

Choosing a bonsai style isn’t just about what looks good, it’s about working with your tree’s natural traits and your own experience level. There are many books available to bonsai enthusiasts that can help beginners choose a style, but here are a few important guidelines.

1. Let the Tree Lead

Every bonsai tree has a natural flow. Let that be your starting point.

• Start by studying your tree’s trunk movement, branch layout, and root base (nebari).
  
• Styles like Informal Upright or Slanting often emerge naturally based on the tree’s shape.
  

2. Match to Your Skill Level

Make sure the style matches your experience level for the best success.

• Beginner-Friendly: Informal Upright, Broom
  
• Intermediate: Slanting, Multi-Trunk, Semi-Cascade
  
• Advanced: Cascade, Literati, Windswept, Root-Over-Rock

Some styles need years of training and specialized tools, so grow into them over time.

3. Choose Based on Species

Not every style works for every tree species.

• Conifers (pines, junipers) tend to suit Formal, Literati, or Cascade styles.
  
• Deciduous trees (elms, maples) work beautifully in Broom, Group, or Forest styles.

Some species are more flexible, but starting with a style suited to your species reduces long-term frustration.

4. Consider the Story You Want to Tell

Bonsai is a form of storytelling. What feeling or moment are you trying to express?

• Want a peaceful, balanced look? Go with Informal Upright or Broom
  
• Want something emotional or dynamic? Try Windswept or Literati
  
• Want something visually dramatic? Look at Cascade or Root-Over-Rock

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes are part of learning, but some are easily preventable, such as:

• Forcing a style that doesn’t fit your tree’s natural growth.
  
• Choosing a complex style before learning the basics.
  
• Over-pruning to “fit the style” instead of shaping slowly.
  
• Ignoring how the style will look 2–5 years from now.

Final Thoughts: Let the Tree Lead

Bonsai styles give your tree form and direction, but they’re not rules, they’re guides. A style helps you shape the tree with purpose, but your tree’s health and character come first.

Take your time. Let your tree grow. Observe. Adjust. As your skills grow, your styling choices will become more natural and rewarding.