Cascading Bonsai trees are a style of the Japanese art of miniaturizing trees, aka Bonsai. This is a specific style of Bonsai that is truly mesmerizing to look at. It's an art style of tree which when done properly will wow anymore. It's a good display tree. Here's just exactly what are cascading Bonsai trees.

Cascading Bonsai trees have one main feature, and that one main feature is that they go 'over the side', as it were. The top of the tree is below the roots and the bottom of the pot! How can this be? Well, the tree grows straight up until it makes a u-turn in form, and goes back down the side. Often these trees will level out again, but they won't grow back up. Imagine a mountain river, pouring down the side - this is what these Bonsai trees look like.

Of course, the cascading Bonsai requires it to be displayed on a stand, so that it can go down the side. This makes the tree look even more spectacular, as it almost appears to 'float' off the floor, 'hovering' as the branches creep out from each side.

How do you achieve this form and figure then?

The main technique for the cascading Bonsai style is to wire it. Wiring is an essential part of creating Bonsai trees and therefore you will find that this is a good technique to become familiar with before embarking on your cascading journey.

By wiring the tree with strong aluminum or copper wire, you will force the tree to break (not snap, there's a difference) the trunk gently. This then heals up and your tree will take on the distinctive bend that the cascading style has.

If you're worried about what I said about the tree breaking gently, imagine it this way: You take a carrot and make a whole lot of cuts along one side of it. If you bend the carrot now so that the cuts are facing straight up you will find the carrot bends easily. Don't cut your tree in this way! This is just an example to show how your tree breaks - it makes those cuts as the branches bend. The cuts then heal up and your tree will be beautiful and gorgeous.

As I mentioned, I suggest you give wiring a go on another more simple Bonsai first. If you don't want to have to grow another one first and just want to get straight onto the cascading Bonsai style, then why not. Go ahead. Just make sure you know what you're doing, and where you're going.