Skip to main content

Raft or Straight-line "Ikadabuki"

A raft bonsai tree.

The Raft "Ikadabuki" style of bonsai trees is a way of creating a realistic representation of a natural phenomenon, where a tree falls over due to wind, flood, or erosion, and its branches grow upwards as new trunks. The original trunk is buried under the soil, and the new trunks form a unified canopy. The Raft style can be done with sinuous or straight-line trunks, depending on the species and the desired effect. The Raft style is not very common, and it requires patience and skill to achieve. It is easier to do with deciduous trees that can root easily from exposed cambium, such as quince, beech, or crab apple. Coniferous trees, such as juniper or spruce, can also be used, but they take more time and care. The Raft style can create a stunning impression of age and resilience, as if the tree has survived a natural disaster and thrived for many years.

Subscribe to Raft or Straight-line "Ikadabuki"