|
|
Growing Bonsai from cuttings is very popular amongst Bonsai growers, as it is an inexpensive and fast-forward way to propagate new trees. This method will reduce the time it takes to grow trees from seed by about two years, while giving you the benefit of knowing in advance which characteristics the cutting will posses.
|
|
To start with, suitable cuttings need to be collected. Most types of trees are suitable to be propagated by cuttings; you can choose either to take cuttings from trees or simply to use material pruned from Bonsai trees which you would otherwise throw away (see photo 1). The size of the cuttings should be about 5-10 cm tall (about 2’’-4’’) and 2-5 mm thick, although it is possible to take larger cuttings too (see photo 2).
|
|
When? Generally, spring is the best time to collect and plant cuttings, although hardwood cuttings should be prepared and planted after their growth season (late summer).
How? Step-by-step plan for collecting and planting cuttings:
1. Choose a pot roughly 15 cm (6’’) deep with a hole for drainage.
2. The bottom layer (roughly ¼ of the pot) should consist of fine gravel and akadama (a type of clay you can purchase from a bonsai specialist) in a ratio of ½ to ½.
3. Fill the rest of the pot with akadama, fine gravel and potting compost mixed together in a ratio of ½ to ¼ to ¼.
4. Now remove any branchings or leaves on the lower half of the cuttings. Thick cuttings should be cut slantingly, to improve their capability to absorb nutrients.
5. Now dip the cuttings in rooting hormone (available at most Bonsai shops) before placing them about halfway in the prepared soil mixture, leaving enough space between them (see photo 3). Please note that using rooting hormone is not required, it will simply increase the rate of success.
6. Finally, rinse a considerable amount of water over the cuttings, but be careful not to disturb the soil surface by using a fine nozzle.
|
|
And then? Aftercare
Put the pot outside protected from direct sunlight and keep it damp at all time, but not wet. It will take a few weeks before the cuttings start growing; remove the dead ones but leave the rest untouched until the next spring. Your success rate will depend amongst other factors on the species of tree used and the size of the cuttings, as you gain experience more and more cuttings will survive. You can start using small quantities of fertilizer during the summer.
After one year the cuttings can be separated and put in bigger pots; it will take one or two years of unrestricted growth before the cuttings are ready for their first training.
|
