subjected to adverse weather
condition which greatly emphasises this irregular
inverted position. Obviously, these types of
weather patterns are not generally readily available to
the humble bonsai artist to imitate. That said, if you
know how to wire a Bonsai tree and with a little
patience it can certainly be accomplished.
So that the Bonsai tree when
implanting the Kengai style can grow free from any
obstacles it’s important to ensure the Bonsai pot is in
an elevated position near the edge of a table or ledge
so that the Bonsai trunk can freely suspend beneath the
horizontal. Also worth mentioning is seeing as the
Bonsai trunk will be in a vulnerable position it’s
important to use a weighty ceramic bonsai pot to ensure
the Bonsai tree itself isn’t damaged.
As the Bonsai trunk is nurtured to
develop in a downward direction, the branches should be
further trained to route horizontally. This will give
the Bonsai tree a fuller appearance. By planting the
Bonsai directly in the centre and not near the edge of
the Bonsai pot will further aid stability.
Often when implementing the Kengai
Bonsai style, the Bonsai tree will be trained to develop
vertically and the then downwards, rather than dangled
simply over the edge. This gives a fuller look and
balanced flow to the appearance of the Bonsai tree. A
good tip when using this technique is to ensure the
branches are trimmed to create a ‘zigzag’ kind of
pattern to further complement the Bonsai cascade effect.
Since the Bonsai trunk and possibly
many branches will live beneath the Bonsai pot, adequate
care is required to make certain that all receive
adequate amounts of watering and essential nutrients.
Foliar feeding, the process of applying a fertiliser
product by spraying the Bonsai leafs which is then
sucked in by the Bonsais foliage) is highly recommended.
Han-Kengai Bonsai Style -
Semi-cascade
Another variation of the Kengai
Bonsai style is the Han-Kengai or semi-cascade style.
This particular variety is often categorised separately.
However, both styles are very popular. As with the
Kengai style the cascade protrudes downwards and beneath
the horizontal level at the foot of the Bonsai pot.
However with the Han-Kengai Bonsai style neither the
Bonsai trunk or it’s main branches ever descend below
that level. In this semi-cascading Bonsai style, the
tip of the Bonsai tree always remains above the level of
the floor.
However, this Bonsai style is not
readily defined, as some Han-Kengai styles will have
aspects that are indeed below floor level, while others
will develop out horizontally. Anyway, in either case
both styles retain the curving Bonsai trunk style common
to both.
As with any Bonsai style, using the
proper Bonsai species for your grand design is off
utmost importance. Fortunately, with the Kengai and
Han-Kengai styles many will designs will be appropriate.
Japanese Junipers are a popular choices, but flowering
cherry trees are should also be considered. You may be
surprised to learn that even cedars are used, where the
highly giving wood makes this type of Bonsai a perfect
partner. Also, some flowering Bonsais can be
considered. These include chrysanthemums, the weeping
variety and willows.
However, as with the Kengai Bonsai
style, it's vital to realise that water and nutrients
make it to the tips of the tree. Using the Foliar
feeding technique this is easily achieved, but needs to
be done frequently and as part of general care and
maintenance needed by the Bonsai tree.
