Five Basic Bonsai Styles

Formal upright: Classic proportions that form the basis of all bonsai. Has a straight trunk and horizontal branches. Easiest for a beginner to grow because it requires the least experimentation. Looks best in oval or rectangular containers

Informal upright: Has much the same branch arrangement as the formal upright style, but the top -- instead of being erect as in the formal upright style -- bends slightly to the front. Looks best in an oval or rectangular pot.

Cascade: Tree's growing tip extends below the base of the pot. The trunk starts by growing upward from the soil, then turns downward abruptly and reaches a point below the bottom edge of the container. Looks best in a round or hexagonal container that is higher than it is wide.

Semi-cascade: Like the cascade, the growing tip projects over the rim of the pot but does not drop below its base.

Slanting: The trunk has a more acute angle than in the informal upright style. The lowest branch spreads in the opposite direction to the slant of the tree. Style looks best planted in the center of a round or square container.