Semi-cascade bonsai styles are very similar to cascade styles except for the fact that the tip of a semi-cascading bonsai does not grow below the base level of the pot.. When styling Semi-Cascade style be sure to Balance the visual weight of the tree and the pot. The viewer will tend to have an unbalanced feeling if the nebari is not solid. Strong and powerful root spreads that seem to cling as if on the side of a mountain add to the negative space created by the Semi-cascade.

Advantages of Han-kengai

Are that it utilizes many different bonsai styles we are familiar with. We can use elements from a windswept bonsai that include deadwood, implied force such as wind on a mountain top or a fallen tree that held on for its life. Caught in between cascading and slanting bonsai gives us the ability to use techniques and design from both styles. Semi-cascade trees can have a very powerful image because of the movement they create into negative space, allowing the viewers eye to go from pot to tree in a fluid motion

Disadvantage of Han-Kengai

Are that with a tree flowing out and away from the pot the composition has to be balanced somewhere in the design. When we display semi-cascade trees selecting the right stand, accent, and scroll is very important. We want the viewer to feel balanced when looking at the final image; we need to create a very solid stable tree which keeps the viewers eyes in the composition.

Plants that are well adapted to the cascade and semi-cascade styles are Junipers, and flowering plants such as chrysanthemums, wisteria, willows, and star jasmine. But can be created very successfully with most species.

• Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora
• Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii
• Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa
• Juniper (Juniperus spp
• Spruce (Picea spp
• Ficus (Ficus spp
• Olive (Olea spp
• Conifers
• Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova spp)
• Brush Cherry (Syzygium paniculatum
• Beech (Fagus spp
• Crab Apple (Malus spp
• Pomegranate (Punica spp

 

Stefan Rausch was born and raised in Colorado, growing up hiking, hunting and fishing dominated most of his time ingraining his love for the Rocky Mountains. He started working with all types of plant material at an early age working his way up to a full time position in horticulture at one of Colorado’s most premier country clubs. His brother saw this interest and soon invited him to a local bonsai show, this is where for the first time he saw the possibilities and artistic expression of bonsai and what could be done with local Rocky Mountain material. He is truly passionate about the progression and future of Bonsai as an art form, especially here in the United States. Stefan has been lucky enough to learn first hand from some of the best Yamadori collectors and Bonsai Artists such as Larry Jackel and Harold Sasaki.