Bonsai Gardening Basic Styles - Chokkan and Moyogi

Over the centuries, there have been hundreds of unique styles done by bonsai artists. There are a number of basic styles from all of these different complex varieties, however.

Chokkan (formal upright)
An exquisitely beautiful and simple approach, the chokkan or simple upright is a popular bonsai style. Although it is still a miniature version, it looks just like a full-grown tree. You will notice that it is symmetrical and erect in a style that looks very similar to the classic Christmas tree. The branches will be horizontal for the most part and the lowest branches will be trained to point directly at the viewer. Typically, the plant will be placed in the center of the pot, although some artists plant slightly to the left or right.

The smaller branches will be trimmed off and the existing branches will be balanced all around the tree. The first branch will be about a third up the total height of the tree. You will need to have a good beginning and foundation for this style to be successful, including having the right species. You want a tree that naturally grows straight in Nature without modification.

You can find a number of variations on this tree, including using different tree species, including the Larch, Pine or Spruce for a variety of looks.

Moyogi (Informal Upright)
There are a number of common similarities between the chokkan and the moyogi, but the vertical and horizontal looks are altered, differentiating the two styles. You will notice that the moyogi has even less flair in its appearance than the chokkan, but both are equally beautiful for a bonsai artist or admirer.

The branches for the moyogi are trained in a similar manner, but the top will be modified so that it bends slightly towards the viewer. The trunk of the tree, also, can be slanted slightly, although not curved.

You can train the trunk to be slanted or choose a species that naturally has a tendency to veer from the vertical upright position. You can find a species that slants by looking at the tree from the top down. You will want to plant the tree in a pot so that the roots move forward to the front of the pot. You can wire or use selective watering to achieve this effect. The trunk will slant backwards and the roots will naturally point ahead to maximize the support of the tree as a counterweight.

Moyogi have full crowns on top with branches that again start at roughly a third of the total height of the tree. The deciduous species like Japanese Maples or Beech trees are naturally suited to this style. You can find some fruit trees, such as Crab Apple or Pomegrante that will also choose this style.

No matter which style you use or select, the bonsai tree is sure to be around for a number of years, provided that you give plenty of care and patience in order to achieve maximum longevity and health.

         

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