Bonsai Glossary
A comprehensive guide to bonsai terminology, styles, and techniques.
Bonsai Styles
- Formal Upright(Chokkan)
- A style where the trunk is perfectly straight and vertical, tapering evenly from base to apex. Branches are arranged symmetrically, decreasing in size toward the top.
- Informal Upright(Moyogi)
- The most common bonsai style. The trunk curves gently but the apex is still positioned directly over the base. It mimics the natural growth of most trees.
- Slanting(Shakan)
- The trunk grows at an angle (typically 60-80 degrees from the soil). Roots are more developed on the side opposite the lean to suggest natural wind exposure.
- Cascade(Kengai)
- The trunk and foliage cascade below the base of the pot, mimicking trees growing on cliff edges. The tip of the tree extends below the bottom of the container.
- Semi-Cascade(Han-Kengai)
- Similar to cascade but the trunk extends to the side and slightly downward without dropping below the bottom of the pot.
- Literati(Bunjin)
- A minimalist style featuring a tall, thin, elegantly curved trunk with foliage only near the apex. Inspired by ancient Chinese brush paintings of trees.
- Windswept(Fukinagashi)
- All branches grow in one direction, suggesting persistent wind exposure. The trunk may lean in the direction of the wind.
- Forest/Group Planting(Yose-ue)
- Multiple trees planted together in a single container to create the impression of a forest or grove. Trees vary in height and trunk thickness.
- Broom(Hokidachi)
- The trunk is straight and upright, branching out in all directions about one-third of the way up, forming a dome or ball-shaped crown. Common with deciduous species like zelkova.
- Root-over-Rock(Sekijoju)
- The tree's roots grow over and around a rock before entering the soil. The exposed roots grip the rock tightly, creating a dramatic visual effect.
- Raft(Ikadabuki)
- A fallen trunk lies horizontally with branches growing upward to appear as individual trees. Mimics a tree that has fallen but continues to grow.
Tree Anatomy & Aesthetics
- Nebari
- The visible surface roots that spread out from the base of the trunk. Good nebari gives the tree a sense of stability and age. It is one of the most valued features in bonsai.
- Tachiagari
- The section of the trunk from the nebari to the first branch. Its character and taper are critical to the overall appearance of the bonsai.
- Jin
- A deadwood technique where bark is stripped from a branch to create a bleached, weathered appearance. Mimics branches that have died naturally from lightning, drought, or disease.
- Shari
- A deadwood technique where a strip of bark is removed from the trunk, revealing the wood underneath. Simulates natural damage from lightning strikes or age.
- Sabamiki
- A hollow or split trunk, often created to simulate damage from lightning strikes. A dramatic feature that conveys great age and resilience.
- Taper
- The gradual decrease in trunk diameter from the base to the apex. Good taper is essential for creating a natural, proportionate appearance.
- Ramification
- The progressive branching and sub-branching pattern of a tree. Fine ramification creates a dense, mature-looking canopy.
- Apex
- The topmost point of the tree. In most styles, the apex should be positioned directly above the trunk base and formed by a well-defined leader.
Techniques
- Wiring
- The technique of wrapping aluminum or copper wire around branches and trunks to shape and position them. Wire is typically left on for several months before removal.
- Pruning
- Removing branches, shoots, or leaves to control growth, improve shape, and encourage ramification. Includes structural pruning and maintenance trimming.
- Repotting
- Transferring a bonsai to fresh soil, usually every 1-5 years depending on species and age. Root pruning during repotting encourages a compact root system.
- Defoliation
- The partial or complete removal of leaves during the growing season to encourage smaller leaf growth and increase ramification. Only done on healthy deciduous trees.
- Air Layering
- A propagation technique where bark is removed from a section of trunk or branch, wrapped in moist sphagnum moss, and enclosed in plastic to encourage root growth at that point.
- Grafting
- Joining a branch or bud from one tree onto another to add foliage in bare areas or change the species of foliage on a trunk.
Horticulture & Growing
- USDA Hardiness Zone
- A geographic classification system based on average annual minimum winter temperatures. Knowing your zone helps determine which species can survive outdoors in your climate. Ranges from Zone 1 (coldest) to Zone 13 (warmest).
- Yamadori
- A tree collected from the wild (mountains, forests, or other natural settings). Yamadori trees often have dramatic natural character shaped by years of exposure to the elements.
- Akadama
- A Japanese granular clay soil commonly used in bonsai potting mixes. It provides excellent water retention and drainage. Typically combined with pumice and lava rock.
- Kanuma
- An acidic Japanese pumice-like soil primarily used for azaleas and other acid-loving species. It retains moisture well while maintaining good aeration.
- Pumice
- A lightweight volcanic rock used in bonsai soil mixes. It provides excellent drainage and aeration while retaining some moisture.
- Dormancy
- A period of reduced metabolic activity, typically during winter. Temperate species require a dormancy period to maintain health. Trees should not be repotted or heavily pruned during dormancy.
- Mycorrhizae
- Beneficial fungi that form symbiotic relationships with tree roots, enhancing nutrient and water absorption. Particularly important for pines and other conifers.
Container & Display
- Tokoname
- A city in Japan famous for producing high-quality bonsai pots. Tokoname pots are highly valued for their craftsmanship and durability.
- Tokonoma
- A recessed alcove in traditional Japanese rooms used for formal display. Bonsai displayed in a tokonoma are typically accompanied by a scroll and an accent plant.
- Kusamono
- Accent plantings of grasses, wildflowers, or small plants displayed alongside bonsai. They complement the main tree and suggest its natural environment.
- Suiban
- A shallow, water-filled tray used for displaying rock plantings (suiseki) or landscape compositions.