Bonsai is the name of a small tree that has unusual shape trunk and crown. These trees originated in ancient China, and then in Japan they became not just plants, but turned into works of art. AT modern world the word "bonsai" refers not only to trees, but also to the methods of their cultivation.
The goal of flower growers who grow bonsai at home is to be able to reproduce the creation of nature. These small copies of trees respect all natural laws and have all realistic proportions. A deciduous tree, for example, blossoms, loses its leaves, and then becomes covered again, and so on.
But it must be remembered that the formation of a tree, growing and caring for it, is a laborious task that takes a lot of time and requires certain knowledge and patience.
People who have never dealt with the care of bonsai trees think that special seeds are needed to grow them, but this is not the case.
Actually everything miniature plants grow from ordinary seeds, but humanity has come up with ways to keep the growth and change the shape of trees, and successfully uses them.
small trees have different forms and differ in arrangement in pots:
In addition to the trees, the pots contain figurines and small houses. The soil is often hidden under a layer of pebbles or green moss.
Tree formation
To grow the right bonsai, you need to have certain skills and knowledge.
For planting, you can use seeds, cuttings or cuttings of trees. To stop growth, the same techniques are used as in wild nature: very coldy, winds and droughts.
In small trees, the roots are pruned, the branches are also cut, as well as twisted, and additionally tied with wire. All leaves, buds and shoots must be removed. 
The trunks are bent or pulled back, depending on the chosen shape.
Growth can be slowed down in the following ways:
- squeezing the roots of a tree;
- selection of small pots in size;
- the use of coarse soil, without trace elements;
- exclusion of substances necessary for growth;
- influence of strong wind;
- the influence of strong heat;
- the influence of severe and sharp frosts.
Also, trees need rules regarding the shape that is chosen for the tree. To create the desired appearance, they combine naturalness and necessary form. The height of the trees should not exceed 30 centimeters.
Growing plants from a nursery
When buying a young tree from a nursery, you can form a bonsai fairly quickly. After all, nurseries sell plants that have been grown in a container for a long time, thanks to which they already have developed roots.
The plant is transplanted from the container into the prepared land for bonsai, after cutting off the roots. The purchase of a plant and transplantation must be carried out in early spring, before the growth period.
It is also necessary to properly trim the roots and not damage when digging. The plant is transported by placing the roots in a bag with moss, and the houses are planted in containers big size, and placed in a shady place, protected from drafts.
About 3 years will pass before the tree can be transplanted into a small pot. And in 5-10 years it will be possible to get a fully formed bonsai.
Trees grown in nature take a long time to root. Therefore, sometimes preparations for transplantation begin several years in advance, gradually cutting off the roots.
This option is well suited for trees from a personal garden, which you can follow and gradually remove the length of the roots. Trees from the garden are also planted first in a container, and after three years they are transplanted into a pot. 
Draft formation can be started already in the first years, then after 50 years you will get a bonsai that looks powerful and spectacular.
To form a bonsai from an already practically grown tree and transplant it correctly is quite difficult task, and not for beginners.
seed bonsai
The method of growing from seeds is quite long in time. It takes about 15 years to get a full-fledged bonsai. At this age, it is easier to buy seedlings in the nursery.
But there are plant species whose form can only be changed by starting from the very beginning, such as elms. And therefore, seeds are planted, sprouts are grown, and formation begins from the first year, more sprouts.
When the tree is fully formed, it will be very noticeable that it has been shaped from the very beginning.
The roots of such trees diverge in the shape of a star, and the trunks are formed even and beautiful. Bonsai is harmonious and proportional.
Sown trees at the stage of thin sprouts can be bent in any direction and given any conceived shape.
Seeds can be bought in stores or collected independently in parks or botanical gardens. Some seeds can be sown immediately, such as oaks, spruces, pines, and some need to be stored in a cool place until spring, such as juniper, hornbeam and others. 
Before planting, all seeds are special treatment to prevent disease. Then they are soaked for several days and only then planted in prepared soil in containers or peat cups. After planting, the soil is compacted and watered abundantly.
Seedlings are grown following standard care standards: regular watering, ventilation, diffused light and fertilizer. When the seedling reaches a height of 10 centimeters, it is transplanted and the first molding is carried out.
Getting bonsai from seeds is a laborious and difficult task, but the result will be on top.
Bonsai from cuttings
Compared with the seed method, this method will speed up the formation of bonsai by a year. Cuttings must be cut from a healthy tree shoot. They are cut and rooted in the ground or in wet sand.
The final size of the bonsai is already clear at the beginning of the formation of a miniature tree. The main skeletal branches and trunk are usually already present, and further growth will be limited.
In order to achieve perfect size you need to pay attention to the size of the leaves. If the species has small leaves, then bonsai can be formed in any size. And if the castings are large or long needles, then it is necessary to set the size of the tree based on the proportions.
Features of growing bonsai
In order to form a certain shape of branches and trunk, one cannot do without wire. It can be applied to branches or trunk, and this technique is quite laborious and complicated.
With the help of a wire, all branches and shoots are fixed. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the wire does not grow into the bark of the tree. It is applied most often in spring or winter, along with annual pruning. 
It usually takes about 3 weeks to stabilize the desired shape of a branch or shoot. After that, the wire is removed with wire cutters.
The wire is usually aluminum, coated with copper. And with the help of it they change the direction of the branches, change in growth, the formation of trunks.
Bonsai Tree Care
With constant restrictions in growth, crown formation, growth in a limited space, the life of a tree changes dramatically. The same goes for caring for him.
The most important thing to remember when growing miniature trees is to protect them from drafts and place the pot away from batteries. central heating. Avoid direct sunlight best.
Landing. For proper cultivation bonsai impassable to choose a pot with drainage holes. A mesh is additionally laid at the bottom of the pot to prevent soil from washing out.
Before planting, the roots of the plant are pruned. The tree is planted in a pot, fixing large roots, and filling all the gaps with soil. Then the earth around the trunk is rammed and watered. The container with the plant is quarantined for 10 days, in a shaded place. 
Watering. For irrigation use soft water, settled or thawed. During the period of active growth, plants need to be watered frequently, and watering is reduced in winter.
Bonsai can be watered using a special watering can or by submersion. In the modern world, it is widely used drip irrigation or irrigation.
Top dressing. They are carried out about once every two weeks, and they use their own fertilizers for each type of tree or shrub. It is very important to avoid overfeeding. Therefore, a specific fertilizer application schedule is usually used.
Wintering
AT winter period for coniferous and deciduous trees, it is necessary to provide a dormant period. It is better to put them outside or in an unheated room.
In this case, the root system must be protected additional funds. When spring comes, the plants wake up, and the watering and fertilizing regime is restored.
Transfer
Transplantation is performed annually at the end of winter. When transplanting, the soil is removed from the roots, washed and pruned. The pot must be chosen larger than the previous one. When transplanting, the roots are placed horizontally, sprinkled with earth and watered. 
Crown formation. For beautiful formation tree crowns must be carried out annual pruning. At the same time, it is useful in sanitary terms and rejuvenation. The crown is usually formed conical.
The first pruning is done immediately after planting. And then every year after wintering repeat. With pruning, you can set the direction for the growth of bonsai and redistribute energy from strong shoots to weak ones.
Bonsai Formation Methods
Sometimes artificial aging of trees is carried out in order to young tree looked like it was alive. One of these methods is the removal of the bark from the trunk.
To correct the shape of the tree, you can use the method of air layering. It is especially effective if the bonsai grows with a too long trunk.
For this method, in the spring, an incision is made on the tree trunk and the bark is removed. This place is moistened in growth stimulants and covered. 
In the fall, the incision is opened, roots should form there. Then part of the trunk is cut off below the roots. And planted as a separate plant.
Thus, at home you can grow a beautiful and spectacular tree bonsai. But this will require some effort.
AT last years The Japanese art of bonsai has become very popular all over the world. Miniature copies of trees look very attractive. Their amazing ability to reproduce different corners of nature in miniature attracts, first of all, people who do not have gardens. Dwarf trees with a beautiful crown give a certain Asian flavor to any interior.
Growing bonsai will require a lot of patience and time, as the shape of the trunk and crown takes a long time to form and gradually. First you need to choose a form, that is, how miniature tree will look. Japanese masters distinguish 15 styles of bonsai, which differ in the location of tree trunks, the methods of crown formation, and the difference in materials used in the landscape.
1. Hokidachi broom style
This style is suitable for deciduous trees with great branching. The trunk is straight, vertical and does not go to the top of the tree, it branches well in all directions for about one third of the height of the tree. Branches and leaves form a spherical crown, which looks attractive in winter.
2. Formal vertical Chokkan style
This is classic style, which is often found in nature, especially if the tree receives a lot of light and does not compete with other trees, is suitable for all types and types of trees. Its feature is a perfectly flat line of the trunk, tapering towards the top. starts with about 1/4 of the total length of the trunk, the top of which is formed by one branch, the trunk itself should not occupy the entire height of the tree.
3.Moyogi free vertical style
This is very popular style. It is ideal for beginners as curved barrels are the most common in nature. Usually the trunk is attached S-shape, where branching occurs at each bend. They begin to bend the tree from the base, then proportionally along the entire trunk tapering to the top.
4. Oblique view of Shakkan
This style symbolizes trees that lean under the influence of natural phenomena, that is, when a tree grows in the shade and reaches for the sun, all branches are directed in one direction. Bonsai grows at an angle of about 60-80 degrees, while its roots on one side must be well developed so that they can hold the tree. To create a sense of balance, the first branch should grow from the opposite side of the slope. The trunk can be slightly curved or completely straight, but always tapering upwards.
5. Cascading style Kengai
The cascading style is a tree growing in nature on a steep cliff, which is forced to fight for its existence as a result of many factors, such as snow or falling stones. This affects the fact that the tree grows down. Growing a cascading style bonsai is very difficult and requires the proper knowledge and patience as the tree naturally tries to grow upwards. Usually cascading bonsai are planted in a tall pot. First, the tree should grow vertically, then it is bent down so that the crown grows over the edge of the pot, and the lower branches fall down.
6. Han-kengai semi-cascading style
This style is very similar to cascading and replicates the trees that grow along the banks of rivers and lakes, where their branches almost touch the water. Trees in a semi-cascade style do not bend as much as in a cascade, but are guided more horizontally, as a result of which it does not fall below the base of the pot. The crown is above the edge of the pot.
7. Bunjingi Literary Style
This one is found naturally in densely vegetated areas where only trees can survive in a highly competitive environment. taller than the rest. An elegantly curved trunk with a complete absence of lower branches grows upwards. The crown is located only in the upper part of the tree. Similar trees can be found in forests, where, due to lack of sunlight their lower branches are dying off. Literary bonsai are usually planted in small, round bowls.
8. Fukinagashi wind-bent style
It is very difficult to grow bonsai in this style, since not everyone manages to tilt the trunk and branches growing in all directions to one side, as if the wind was blowing in the same direction all the time.
9. Sokan double barrel style
In nature, trees are often found when two trunks come from one root, and one is more powerful than the other. In bonsai, this style can be created by forming a second stem from the bottom coil. This style is suitable for all kinds of trees.
10. Kabudachi multi-barrel style
Theoretically, the multi-stem style repeats the double style with the difference that the tree has not two trunks, but three or more. All trunks grow from the same root system and this is really one tree. The branches of all trunks form a single crown.
11. Forest style Yose-ue
The forest style is very similar to the multi-stem style, the difference is that not one tree is planted in one large flat bowl, but several at once, representing a miniature forest. As a rule, the most developed trees are planted in the center, on the sides and in the background - several small trees, which together form a single crown and create some depth and perspective. Trees are planted not in one line, but arbitrarily, in order to reproduce the picture of the garden quite realistically.
12. Style wood on stone Seki-joju
In rocky terrain, trees are forced by their roots to look for nutritious soil, which is located in cracks and crevices. The roots are completely unprotected and before reaching the ground, they must be protected from the sun. This explains the origin of the unusual bark on them. This style of bonsai has roots growing on a stone in a pot.
13. Ishitsuki Rock Growing Style
A tree of this style grows in cracks and cavities of rocks. This means that there is not much room for the development and nutrition of the roots. Such trees never healthy look, showing that they must fight to survive. Therefore, it is very important to water and fertilize them frequently. The stone in which the bonsai grows is placed in a shallow pot filled with water or fine gravel.
14. Ikadabuki fleshy style
Sometimes a fallen tree survives by throwing up side branches from which trunks of new trees are formed. This rather complex style is used in the presence of material in which branches grow on one side.
15. Barkless Sharimiki Style
Over time, places bare from the bark form on the trunks of some trees. Intense sun bleaches these areas. In bonsai, the bark is removed with a knife and the exposed areas are treated with calcium sulfate to speed up the bleaching process.
Translation: Lesya V.
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The styles underlying the classification of bonsai resemble various forms trees in nature. These styles can be transformed in the process of individual creative reflection, i.e. trees do not have to conform to any particular shape.
However, the importance of these styles is that they help to get general idea about tree shapes and serve as a guide for successful bonsai formation.
Fan style or broom (hokidachi)
The fan style is suitable for deciduous trees with long and thin branches. The trunk is straight and vertical, but it does not reach the top of the tree, as it branches into different sides at a point about 1/3 from overall height tree. Branches and leaves form a dense spherical crown, which, even in winter time strikes the imagination.
Formal vertical style (tekkan)
The formal upright style is quite common in bonsai. This form of tree is often found in nature, especially if the tree grows in sunny place without competing with other trees. The trunk of a tree in this style should have good taper, i.e. gradually taper from base to crown. Branches should appear at a distance of about 1/4 of the total height of the trunk.
Informal upright style (moyogi)
The informal upright style is common in both nature and the art of bonsai. The trunk grows as a whole vertically, but has a shape resembling English letter"S", and on outside every bend grows branches. The taper of the barrel should be clearly visible, i.e. the base of the trunk should be thicker than its top.
Oblique style bonsai (shakkan)
If the winds blow predominantly in one direction, or if the tree grows in the shade, it is forced to bend towards the sun and lean in a certain direction. In a bonsai style, the tree should grow at an angle of about 60 to 80 degrees to the ground. On the opposite side of the slope, the roots must be strong to hold the tree. On the other side, the roots are not so well developed. The first branch tends to grow on the opposite side of the slope to provide visual balance to the composition. The trunk may be slightly curved or completely straight, but thicker at the base than at the top of the tree.
Cascading style (kengai)
A tree growing naturally on a steep cliff can bend under the influence of the weight of snow, fallen stones, or other factors. In bonsai, maintaining this direction of tree growth can be tricky, as it goes against the tree's natural tendency to grow vertically upwards. Cascading bonsai are planted in tall pots. The base of the tree may be relatively vertical, but then the trunk curves down. The top of the tree is usually above the rim of the pot, with the rest of the branches alternating right and left on the outer curves of the zigzag cascading trunk. The branches are arranged horizontally to provide visual balance to the composition.
Semi-cascading style (han kengai)
The semi-cascading style, like the cascading one, is found in nature on the rocks on the banks of reservoirs. The lower part of the trunk grows vertically and then slopes down and to the side. Unlike the cascade style, in this case the cascade ends no lower than the bottom of the pot. The top of the tree itself, as a rule, rises above the upper edge of the pot.
Literary (bohemian) style (bunzings)
In nature, this style of tree can be found in places where the trees grow so densely and the competition between them is so fierce that the tree will only survive if it grows taller than the others. The trunk is vertical, but somewhat curved, and completely without branches, since only the top of the tree is illuminated by the sun. For the visual aging of the tree, some branches are “gripped” (artificially killed). If the bark is removed from one side of the trunk, this is called "shari". These techniques are designed to demonstrate the tree's struggle for survival. Bonsai in this style are often planted in small round pots.
Style tree bent by the wind (fukinagashi)
This style also vividly showcases trees that are struggling to survive. The branches, as well as the trunk, grow in the direction of the dominant winds. Branches may grow around the circumference of the trunk, but eventually bend to one side.
Double barrel style (shokan)
The double trunk is common in nature, but is actually not that common in the art of bonsai. Usually both trunks grow from the same root system, but it is possible that a small trunk grows from a large trunk just above the base. The two trunks differ in thickness and length, the thicker and mature one grows almost vertically, while the smaller one grows slightly obliquely. At the same time, they form a single crown.
Multi-barrel style (kabudachi)
Essentially, the multi-barrel style is similar to the double-barrel style, but with 3 or more barrels. They all grow from the same root system. The trunks form a single crown, with the thickest of them being the tallest.
Grove style or group planting (yose-ue)
The grove style is similar to the multi-stem style, but the difference is that the grove is made up of several individual trees. The most developed trees are planted in the middle of a large shallow pallet. Several small trees are planted on the sides, which together form a single crown. Trees are not planted in a straight line, but in random order to make the grove look realistic and natural.
Roots on a rock style (sekiyoyu)
In rocky terrain, trees are forced to look for rich roots with their roots. nutrients soil, which sometimes accumulates in cracks and depressions. Until the roots hit the ground, they protect themselves from the sun by covering themselves with rough bark. In the case of bonsai, the roots grow around the stone and then sink into the soil in the pot, so caring for such a tree is really no different than caring for a tree in any other style of bonsai. For this style, in particular, junipers and ficuses are suitable.
Sometimes a fallen tree can survive, and its branches begin to grow upwards. Old root system can provide these branches with sufficient nutrients to survive. After some time, they begin to grow new roots, eventually replacing the old root system. Former branches, now growing vertically, turn into new trunks with their own dense branching, which is due to improved nutrition due to new roots. These trunks form a single crown.
Dead wood style (sharimiki)
Over time, as a result of exposure to harsh weather conditions, bald patches without bark form on the trunks of some trees. They usually start at the base of the trunk at ground level, and become progressively thinner higher up the trunk. Intense sunlight bleaches them, creating very picturesque wood elements. For bonsai artificial creation this effect, the bark is removed sharp knife, and the bare wood, after drying, is bleached with sulphurous lime.
In nature appearance trees is formed depending on their place of growth and under the influence of natural factors. The trunk of a tree growing from under a stone will first bend, repeating its shape, and only getting out into the light will go straight up. The shape of a tree can be determined by the direction of the prevailing winds. Some natural forms can be recreated according to different styles with Japanese names. There are also specific styles for landscapes and groups of trees.
(formal vertical style)
Suitable for spruce, larch, juniper, zelkova and ginkgo. If the tree does not experience competition from other trees, is not exposed to strong prevailing winds, has enough food and water, it will grow straight up, and its trunk will be conical. The branches should not be symmetrical, the upper branches should be shorter and thinner than the lower ones. Branches should radiate horizontally from the trunk, and some lower branches may curve down slightly. To prevent the container from tipping over, its weight and the weight of the tree should be approximately equal.
(oblique style)
Suitable for a large number types.
Under the influence of strong prevailing winds, the tree grows with an inclination, the same shape can be observed in a plant growing in the shade and stretching towards the sun. The trunk of the tree, which may be straight or slightly curved, should be inclined at an angle of 70 to 90° to the surface of the container. On one side of the tree, the roots are strongly developed, and it seems that they firmly hold on to the soil, and on the side of the leaning trunk, they go into the ground.
(informal vertical style)
Suitable for almost all types of trees.
This style is widely found in nature, and in many. The tree trunk has a number of bends, the lower of which should be pronounced. As with the formal upright style, the trunk is conical, the branches are symmetrical, and the crown matches the thickness of the trunk.
(cascade style)
Suitable for pines, cotoneasters, pyracanthas and junipers. Not recommended for trees with strong, hard-to-bend trunks.
A tree growing on a steep cliff can bend for many reasons - due to falling stones, under its own weight or the weight of snow, due to lack of light. This is the “cascade” style created by nature itself. In relation to bonsai, this means that the crown of the tree should be located below the top edge of the container. It is quite difficult to keep a cascade style plant healthy as it tends to grow upwards.
(semi-cascading style)
Suitable for all types, with the exception of strong, poorly bending trees.
This style, like the "cascade", is found in nature in trees growing on steep slopes, along river banks and in swamps. Due to the proximity of water, the trunk does not grow downward, but rather in a horizontal direction. In semi-cascading style trees, the crown only falls slightly below the top edge of the container.
(Suitable for most coniferous or broadleaf trees.
This style takes its name from the manner in which Chinese artists used to paint imaginary trees. A feature of this style: an elegantly curved trunk line, with the complete absence of lower branches, the crown is located only in the upper part of the tree. We can also meet similar trees in the forest, when, due to lack of sunlight and tightness, their lower branches die off, and the trunk looks knobby and rough.
HOKI - COTTAGES(panicle style)
Suitable for thin-branched broad-leaved trees such as zelkova, elm and hornbeam.
In nature, this style is almost perfectly observed in Zeikova (zelkova). When creating bonsai, this style can be used for some other types. The trunk is strictly vertical, but not too long, all branches diverge from one point. The crown is spherical and very dense. Thanks to the many thin branches, the tree has an attractive appearance even without foliage. In general, the tree resembles an old panicle.
(dead wood style)
Suitable for juniper.
In junipers growing on mountain slopes, significant parts of the trunk are not covered with bark and are bleached by the sun. In bonsai, these areas of dead wood are especially important and should be clearly visible. They are created artificially by cutting off certain sections of the bark and then bleaching them.
(style "exposed roots on a stone")
Suitable for all species with strongly developed roots, such as maple, Chinese elm, pine and juniper.
On stony soils, some plants survive because their roots, embracing boulders, climb under them in search of water and nutrients that accumulate in cracks and voids. The roots, exposed to the winds and exposed to various vicissitudes of the weather, soon begin to resemble a trunk. An important element of bonsai is the spectacular interlacing of roots that look old. The tree itself can be grown in any style, but formal upright and "panicle" will not the best choice. Since the plant draws its nutrition from the container, it is not much more difficult to care for than other plant styles. Transplant so that the stone with roots is clearly visible.
ISI - DZUKI(style "hugging a stone")
Suitable for pine, maple, flowering quince and rhododendron.
In the composition of this style, trees grow from cracks in the stones. The roots, as it were, go into the stone and from there the plant receives everything necessary nutrition and water. Regular watering is very important for this style of bonsai, since the supply of moisture in the cracks is limited. To ensure high humidity of the surrounding air, the stone can be placed in a shallow dish of water. By planting a few trees, you can create a landscape.
(twin barrel style)
Suitable for all types of trees. Such a silhouette is widespread in nature. Two trunks grow from one root, and one is much more powerful than the second. In bonsai, this style can be created artificially when a second stem is formed from a lower branch. Make sure that the branch is not too high, otherwise a "fork" will form that does not fit into the .
KABU - COTTAGES(style "octopus")
This style is suitable for all kinds of trees.
All trunks grow from the same root and cannot be separated. This is the main difference between these plants and a group of separately growing specimens. It is similar to the "twin barrel" style, but here we are talking about three or more barrels.
(fallen tree style)
Suitable for all types of trees.
Sometimes a fallen tree can survive by throwing up lateral branches from which the trunks of new trees are formed. The old horizontal shaft is still visible. This style is often used in bonsai, especially when there is source material, in which the branches are located on one side. Unlike a group of individual plants in this style, the distance between individual trunks does not change.
YOSE-UE (forest style)
Forest style "from many trees". The style imitates a forest landscape. Lots of trees different size and age in one vessel. The group is formed from adjacent independent trunks. Trees (odd number) should be different in height and thickness, the distance between the trees should not be the same. The trees behind are thicker and denser than those in front.
Symbolizes the connection of generations. The most suitable for this style are pines, arborvitae, cryptomeria, birches, beeches, hornbeams, zelkovas, maples.
SAIKEI (living landscape style)
Saikei literally means living landscape. In this form bonsai the artist depicts not only a tree or a forest, but a complete 3-dimensional landscape. In Japan, saikei schools were founded by Tosio Kawamoto after World War II. He based this one on the principles of group planting and rock plantings in bonsai. Seeing the need for bonsai that would be easily accessible to the average person, he created saikei. In saikei, young seedlings can be used, which eventually turn into old trees. Kawamoto wanted a form of bonsai that can be enjoyed even when they are first planted, as opposed to perennial bonsai. His 1967 book "Saikei: Living Landscapes in Miniature" has been the saikei bible since its first edition. When Kawamoto introduced this style, he did not use any well developed trees in his saikei. Other artists, followers of Kawamoto, adopted this style and raised it to a higher level of training of each of the trees in saikei. © bonsai.narod.ru, bonsaiforum.ru, in-flora.ru
Despite the growing popularity, bonsai retains its status of exclusivity and remains a symbol of the elitism of the interior decorated with it. However, if earlier vegetable miniatures were bought for considerable sums or grown by true enthusiasts, today they are available at fairly affordable prices and have become a worthy gift.
Beginners to comprehend wonderful world Bonsai is indispensable without knowing the basic features of the styles developed over the centuries. In previous publications, they were also described for single miniatures, and now let's move on to multi-barreled compositions and touch on elite ones that require high skill.
Sokan(Sokan, 双幹) is one of the basic multi-stem styles. It is a miniature with two barrels. Among the vegetation around us, such twin trees are by no means uncommon.
Both trunks are fed by the same root system. In addition, they grow at a certain angle in such a way that the distance between them increases with height. The angle of such a divergence should not be too large, because then the composition will lose its natural look.
Usually the second trunk is formed from a very low side branch. If the point of divergence forms a "fork" at the wrong height, you can try to lower it, causing the formation of new roots by deep planting in a deep container.
Other naming options are also used for this style: double trunk, twins, father and son, mother and son. The latter option is also often used for a closely related style. Soju/Soju(Soju, 双樹). However, despite the rather strong external similarity, each of them has its own characteristics.
The fundamental difference between soju and sokan is that the composition is formed by very close planting of two trees of the same species of different heights. At the same time, the dominant “parent” tree also compositionally subordinates the “child” tree. However, each of them has its own root system.
In this case, they grow in parallel (although some masters allow the “son” to deviate within 15 °). The crown of the subordinate plant should not be clearly adjacent to the dominant trunk. Both crowns have similar top dynamics and can create a unified silhouette.
The sokan style is not difficult to grow, but is visually quite elegant. The beauty and aesthetics of such a composition planted asymmetrically or in the center of any container shape depends on the harmonious ratio of the thicknesses of the trunks.
Among other things, it serves as the basis for other multi-barrel variations. Three stems growing from the same root, different in height, already constitute a complete family of "father", "mother" and "son". This bonsai is called Sankan ( Sankan) and symbolizes the continuity of generations. Five trunks also have their own names - Gokan ( Gokan), semi – Nanakan ( Nanakan), nine - Kyukan ( Kyukan).
In the sokan style, it is desirable to form coniferous, deciduous or evergreen plants that have small leaves and small flowers and fruits. Preference is usually given to pine, cedar, spruce, sequoia, juniper, elm, birch, maple, common hawthorn, yew berry, cork and holm oak, cypress, ginkgo biloba, Japanese quince and beech, plum ume, camellia, azaleas, wisteria, cryptomeria .
In order to make the miniature forest landscape natural, trees are planted non-linearly and at different distances from each other, thus achieving natural randomness.
Realism also increases if, due to the soil, an uneven “terrain” is formed and landing on different height. Such a multi-level landscape enhances depth and visually expands the space.
The number of trunks depends on the preferences of a particular Japanese bonsai school. The main thing is that the number of instances involved is odd.
In some cases, the composition even has its own name: three trees - Sambon-yose, five - gohon-yose, seven - Nanahon-yose, nine - Kyuhon-yose. According to the views of adherents of some schools, harmony is achieved only with nine or nineteen dwarfs. Others are not so categorical and do not limit the number of plants.
As you move away from this center, the size of the planted plants decreases. A composition may contain not one, but several such groups, but each of them retains the specified hierarchy of objects.
The parent tree is usually shifted to the side a third of the length from the center of a shallow container (oval or square) or an arbitrary shape of an elongated thin stone slab. Crowns of plants form a single composition, repeating the rhythm and direction of movement of the "mother" dwarf.
The foreground trees have a more sparse crown and a well-visible trunk. In the background, to enhance the perspective, it is possible to organize a denser planting of plants with low-lying branches of a dense crown. The whole landscape should give the impression of many years of natural gradual addition of young trees to the old core of the grove.
Suitable for this style: European dwarf pine, brilliant dogwood, beech, birch, curled maple, hornbeam, arctic willow, thuja, black hemlock, zelkova, virgin bird cherry, tree-like crassula.
Ikadabuki(Ikadabuki, 筏吹き) is a fallen tree or flesh-like style. Displays a natural situation when a tree felled by the elements still remains alive. The surviving root system continues to feed the remaining intact branches. Over time, they take root and grow, turning into independent trees. Style symbolizes the ability to survive and develop in difficult conditions.
In such a composition, the branches that have turned into upward-growing trunks seem to “float” on a horizontal base trunk “raft” partially submerged in the soil.
When forming an ikadabuki, depending on the type of vegetation used, a straight or curved variation of the style is chosen.
The direct variation assumes the arrangement of the dwarfs stretching upwards in one line along the thick and relatively short original trunk. As a rule, they grow vertically or with a slight slope. The presence of noticeable bends requires their repetition in each instance.
In the case of a curved variation, the horizontal main shaft is quite long and has several bends. Curvature is usually also present in the silhouette of the branches-trunks connected by it.
For the "raft" a tree is selected, in which the branches are located mainly on one side. At the same time, those shorter than 7 centimeters are cut off. With opposite side all branches are removed and the bark is cut in sections. The cut points are treated with a root growth stimulator. The original root system is reduced by about a third.
If the flexibility of the trunk allows, then after disembarking it bends and fits on the soil. Otherwise, the tree lies horizontally and the roots are covered with the formation of a mound.
Then comes a period of waiting for the emergence and growth of new roots. For deciduous trees, this period is 1-2 years, for conifers - up to 5 years. Only after the rooting of the horizontal part of the bonsai is the old root system removed and the formation of future trunks from the branches begins.
Enough should be taken as a blank mature plant, otherwise the branches-trunks will outgrow the original in thickness, thereby violating one of the main canons - new trees should grow from a clearly distinguishable old trunk lying on the ground.
Almost all fast-rooting types of trees and shrubs are suitable for creating ikadabuki. Most often they use European beech, ficus, Cossack juniper, palm-shaped maple, spindle tree, conic spruce, small-flowered pine (Japanese white pine).
In such extreme conditions, the tree is forced to be content with meager reserves of moisture and nutrients extracted by roots from depressions and cracks. They symbolize the omnipresence, adaptability and inexhaustibility of life.
The image of the dwarf himself can be formed according to the canons of any style. The main thing is to achieve harmony with the rock. So curved down and consistent on steep slopes, and look good on a plateau or. It is appropriate to plant a tree in style at the top, where permanent and strong winds. By placing a group of several dwarfs, you can create an impressive landscape.
The container for such a bonsai is a stone, the size, texture and color of which is selected for a specific composition. Wherein rock must have certain properties: they will not dissolve in water, be resistant to fertilizer ingredients, and have porosity to absorb and retain moisture.
The location of the roots is the main difference between these rock styles. But at the same time, they are so close to each other that it is very difficult for a non-specialist to determine who is who. They are often mixed and called "a tree on a stone." Therefore, we first consider the style to which this definition fits entirely.
Sekijoju/Sekizezhu (Sekijoju, 石上樹) Bare roots on a rock. The main distinguishing feature is well-visible protruding outwardly developed roots. The style has two variations of miniature images: a tree twisting around a rock and a tree “bursting out” of a stone.
In the first case, bonsai imitates the situation when, in search of moisture and food, the roots of the plant braid around the stone and penetrate into the soil under it. Their bare areas are covered with a special protective bark and become like a trunk.
For such a bonsai, specimens with already well-developed long roots. They are either fixed on the surface of the rock, or passed through through slots.
If necessary, holes of the required size can be made artificially. Then the composition is placed in a wide and flat container filled with the substrate, to which the roots reach.
Suitable for creating such compositions are species with a developed root system; maple, cotoneaster, juniper, plum, cherry, Chinese elm, pyracantha, ficus, common rosemary, azalea, beech, serissa, pine, cedar.
The miniature is placed and fixed in a recess filled with substrate in the rock. After that, the dwarf is no longer transplanted, but only watered and fed. Often, such a stone island is placed in a wide and low container with water to increase the amount of moisture.
Since the volume of the excavation with the substrate is small, the plant even for bonsai has enough extreme conditions. Therefore, the formation and maintenance of this kind of composition is considered the pinnacle of bonsai professionalism.
Suitable for this style: maple, thyme, plum, Japanese quince, beech, cedar, black pine, fig tree, juniper, oak.
