Bonsai gardening is not just a pastime, it is an art form, and this can be revealed by how you decide to shape and guide your bonsai tree. Actually, one of the most essential characteristics of a bonsai plant is its silhouette. Bonsai trees can be coaxed into nearly any appearance that you favor. Yet there are a few silhouettes that are more prevalent than others. Following is an overview of some of the most common shapes.

Cascade Style: This is among the most distinctive silhouettes in bonsai plants. The cascade style brings to mind the appearance of trees growing over the water or on mountains, and is exceptionally attractive. The top of the tree lightly flows off to the side and extends to the bottom of the container or a little lower.

Forest Style: This is a more complicated way of growing bonsai trees. It involves creatively arranging a small number of bonsai trees in a single container. The plants vary in height, with the appearance resembling a forest. In general, there are no less than three trees that make up the forest, and it’s typically an odd number of plants.

Formal and Informal Upright Styles: Both formal and informal upright styles are also a time-honored means of shaping bonsai plants. Trees in either of these shapes are trained into an upright position with a tapered trunk. The informal variety comprises the well known curves and bends which differentiate it from the formal silhouette.

Literati Style: The most favorite style of bonsai tree is likely the literati style, and this really is what many people imagine when they think about a bonsai. The literati shape comprises a bare trunk with very few branches. The branches of this design are all positioned close to the top. The lower part of the trunk is generally stylishly twisted.

Slanting Style: You will find similarities between the slanting style and the formal upright with regard to the straight trunk. The distinction is in the direction that the trunk is slanted away from the foundation, either off to the left or the right.

While these are the most commonly seen profiles for shaping a bonsai plant, you may discover a new fashion which you prefer. However, it is usually a good idea to begin with a standard style as you first endeavor to shape a bonsai. After you have mastered one of those, then you will be able to incorporate a few personal touches to provide uniqueness to the plant. In the end, bonsai is a form of art, not merely a plant.