Growing bonsai from cuttings in Japan is called "Sashiki". This inexpensive and accessible method has become widespread among bonsai lovers. Compared to growing bonsai from seeds, cuttings allow you to reduce the growth time by more than a year. In addition, you can see in advance what shape you can give the tree.
How to Choose Bonsai Cuttings
The best time for cuttings is spring or summer.
First, you need to collect suitable cuttings. Green shoots are also taken for cuttings. Cuttings should be planted in sterile soil. Before planting, treat the cuttings with hormonal powder. The optimal time for this procedure is spring. Many plants can be propagated in this way, they respond very well to it. elms.
Choose a tree branch you like and cut it. Green and semi-woody shoots are taken for cuttings. The cutting size should be approximately 5-10 cm long and 2-5 mm in diameter. You can take larger cuttings, but the chance that they will take root is much lower. Plant the cuttings in sterile soil, it is advisable to treat them with hormonal powder before planting.
Growing Bonsai by Cuttings. Step-by-Step Instructions
PRACTICAL COURSE: Collecting and planting cuttings.
1. Take a deep pot with a diameter of about 15 cm.
2. The bottom layer (about 1/4 of the pot) should consist of small gravel and "akadama" in equal proportions (read the article about soil mixtures for bonsai).
3. Fill the rest of the bonsai container with a soil mixture suitable for your plant.
4. Remove all branches at the bottom of the cutting, thick branches should be cut at an angle to improve the absorption of nutrients from the soil.
5. If possible, treat the cuttings with hormonal powder (you can find it in specialized bonsai shops), plant the cuttings in the soil, leaving enough space between them. It is worth keeping in mind that hormonal powder is not required for rooting, it simply increases the chances of success, as well as the number of planted cuttings.
Plant the cuttings 2-3 cm into the ground, leaving sufficient distance between them.
6. Water the soil carefully.
After planting the cuttings, place the pot in a place protected from direct sunlight.
It will take a few weeks for the cuttings to start growing, then remove the dead ones and leave the surviving ones alone for about a year. Your chances of success will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the cuttings you collect. With experience, the number of surviving cuttings will increase.
Keep the soil moist but do not overwater.
After a year, the cuttings can be planted in separate pots. Watch your plant and after about 1-2 years, you can begin to form a bonsai.
