Kengai Style Bonsai - An Incredible Feat Of Nature Recreated

Kengai (Cascade) Style
Kengai style bonsai is one of the most beautiful and desirable styles of bonsai growing. In the Kengai style of bonsai growing, the trunk of the bonsai tree will grow below the level of the container.

When the trunk of the Kengai style bonsai tree grows below the level of the container, the trunk will start to twist. In nature, the only examples of this type of growing are trees that grow near the edges of cliff that are subject to heavy snows, avalanches and heavy winds.

With the use of wiring, a bonsai artist can mimic these natural forces to create Kengai style bonsai trees.

To create Kengai style bonsai trees, it is important that the tree (and pot) be placed near the edge of a table so the trunk can hang below the horizontal ground. To create a Kengai style bonsai tree, the tree can be placed near the edge of the pot; however, planting the tree in the center of the pot is very common. It is also very important to use a heavy pot for stability because the bonsai tree will hang to the side and below the pot.

With the Kengai style bonsai tree, the trunk and branches are trained with wiring to grow in different directions. The trunk is trained to grow in a downward and horizontal direction. Branches of Kengai style bonsai trees are trained to grow in a horizontal direction so that the bonsai tree has a fuller look.

The direction of the Kengai style bonsai tree is up to the bonsai artist. Often times the bonsai tree is trained with wiring to grow up and over the pot, rather than over the edge of the pot. Different shapes can provide a different flow to the look and growth of your bonsai tree.

With the Kengai style bonsai tree, the branches should be trimmed to create a sort of “stair step” pattern. The branches of the bonsai tree should complement the shape of the trunk of the tree.

Foliar feeding is best for Kengai style bonsai trees because of the unusual positioning of the tree and its branches.

Foliar feeding is the process of applying a fertilizer solution by spraying the leaves and needles of the tree.

The spray nutrients are absorbed by the foliage of the bonsai tree and the tree receives adequate nutrients and water.

Han-Kengai (Semi-cascade) Style
The Han-Kengai style is similar to the Kengai style of bonsai growing, but is usually categorized separately. The Han-Kengai style of bonsai growing is also referred to as semi-cascade. With the Han-Kengai style of bonsai growing, the tree will project over the (horizontal) base of the pot, but the trunk and branches will not grow below that level.

As with the Kengai style of bonsai growing, Han-Kengai style bonsai trees need to have foliar feeding in order for them to get the proper nutrients. Foliar feeding should be performed with your watering and pruning regimen.

Like other styles of bonsai growing both Kengai and Han-Kengai styles of bonsai growing need to be grown with the proper species. With both of these styles of bonsai growing, many species can do just fine.

Plants that can be great for Kengai style bonsai growing and Han-Kengai styles of bonsai growing are Junipers, Cedars, Willows, flowing cherry trees and Chrysanthemums. Junipers are very popular trees for these types of bonsai growing. Cedar trees work very well with this style of bonsai growing because of their flexible wood.


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