Semi-Cascade Style
The tip of a semi-cascade, like the cascade, projects over the rim of the container, but does not drop below its base. The style occurs in nature when trees grow on clifs or overhang water.
Semi-cascade Style (Han Kengai)
The trunk descends below the rim of the pot but not below the bottom of the pot. Representing a tree growing over riverbanks from a rock-outcrop, where the branches grow almost horizontally over the water surface.
The semi-cascade style occurs in nature when trees grow on cliffs or overhang water. The angle of the trunk in this bonsai is not specific, as long as the effect is strongly horizontal, even if the tree grows well below the level of the pot rim.
This semi-cascade style bonsai was purchased as a starter plant in 2004 from the Wariapendi native nursery (near Yerrinbool). The tree was potted into a bonsai container in 2006. The tree has flowered each year.
In the semi-cascade style, the tip remains above the level of the "ground".
However, this category is not sharply defined, since some han-kengai will have portions that are below 'ground level', while others will project out horizontally.
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.
The semi-cascade style, just like the cascade style, is found in nature on cliffs and on the banks of rivers and lakes. The trunk grows upright for a small distance and then bends downward.
This is a Chinese Elm, and I am intended to grow this tree into the semi-cascade style. In fact, to be more specific, I want to cultivate this Chinese Elm into a "--捞月" (literally means scooping the moon from the ocean).
General Information: This juniper has a low, spreading habit that makes it ideal for cascade and semi-cascade styles. Specimens grown in a nursery or specifically for bonsai can be used for many styles, but probably not for formal upright.
As the days become longer in the spring, new growth will appear and the plant can be gradually trained as a bonsai, with a lower branch following the contour of the rock. Often, a semi-cascade style is used.
Once you have worked out the position of where the tree should sit in the pot, (usually off-centre except for cascade and semi-cascade styles), put the mesh over the drainage holes and add a layer of soil for the tree to rest on.
 See also: Semi-cascade, Style, Cascade, Cascade style, Bonsai
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