Chokkan & Moyogi Style Bonsai - The Essence Of Simplicity

Chokkan (Formal Upright Style)

Chokkan, or formal upright style, is one style of bonsai gardening in which other styles have been based. Chokkan is an extremely beautiful form of bonsai growing; yet it is the simplest style of bonsai gardening.

Chokkan style bonsai trees resemble the shape of the full-grown tree, only in a dwarfed version. Chokkan bonsai trees are generally in the shape of a classic Christmas tree, with a rounded crown, upright trunk and symmetrical branches.

Although Chokkan bonsai trees are symmetrical, it does not need to be planted in the middle of a pot. You can create variations with your Chokkan bonsai tree by planting it between the center and edge of the bonsai pot, to the left or right of your view.

With the Chokkan bonsai tree, smaller branches that are below a certain point on the trunk should be trimmed off. Branches that should be trimmed off when pruning the Chokkan bonsai tree are any branches that are lower than the bottom most branch that is one third of the height of the trunk of the tree.

Branches below this point should be trimmed off, while the rest of the branches should be formed around the trunk of the bonsai tree, giving it the signature symmetry of the Chokkan bonsai.

Moyogi (Informal Upright Style)

Moyogi or informal upright style shares many of the characteristics with Chokkan style bonsai growing. Unlike the Chokkan style of bonsai gardening, Moyogi bonsai trees have different vertical and horizontal regularities. Moyogi style bonsai trees and shrubs are not as symmetrical as Chokkan style trees, yet they are just as beautiful.

Moyogi style bonsai trees are shaped with a top portion that is modified to tilt slightly. The trunk of the Moyogi bonsai tree also may slant slightly. In order to create a Moyogi style bonsai tree, the right species of tree needs to be selected. To create a Moyogi style bonsai tree, you should select a species of tree that naturally tilts forward.

You can also use different training techniques to create a Moyogi style bonsai tree. A very simple way to train your Moyogi style bonsai tree to grow with a slant is by selectively watering the tree in the front. Watering the tree in the front will train the roots to grow forward, which will give the plant a slight tilt. Another way to train your bonsai plant to grow in a Moyogi style is to use wiring.

Wiring is a technique that uses wires to define the shape of a bonsai tree. Wires are placed around the trunk and the branches of a bonsai tree and left on in order for the tree to take the shape of the wires.

Moyogi style bonsai trees are usually fully crowned with branches starting from about a third of the way up the trunk of the tree. Species that lend themselves especially well to the Moyogi style of bonsai growing are the Japanese maple, Beech, Pomegranate and Crab Apple trees.

Creating bonsai trees can be a very fun and artistic way of growing. The Chokkan style and Moyogi style of bonsai growing are the simplest forms of bonsai growing. In addition, these two styles of bonsai growing are the best starting point for the beginning bonsai artist.