Grow trees from cuttings as Bonsai cultivation technique

In Japanese: “Sashiki”

Cultivating trees from cuttings is very popular amongst Bonsai growers, as it is an inexpensive way to propagate new trees. This method will reduce the time it takes to grow trees from seeds by about a year, while also 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 easily propagated using cuttings; select a branch of an existing tree and cut it off (see photo 1, below). The size of the cuttings should be about 5-10 cm tall (about 2’’-4’’) and 2-5 mm thick (see photo 2, below). It is possible to take larger cuttings as well but the chance of getting them to root is slim.

 

When to collect Bonsai cuttings?
Generally, spring and summer are the best times to cut-off and plant cuttings. Some hardwood cuttings can be prepared and planted after their growth season (late summer).

 

How?
Step-by-step plan for collecting and planting Bonsai 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 in a ratio of ½ to ½ (read the Bonsai soil article for more detailed information on soil mixtures for different species of trees, climates, etc.).
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 branches or leaves on the lower half of the cuttings. Thick cuttings should be cut slantingly, to improve their capability to absorb nutrients (see photo 2, below).
5. If available, 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, below). 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 cuttings that died and leave the rest untouched until the next spring. Your rate of success will depend on factors including the species of tree 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 (see photo 4, below).

 

 

More information
Go to the basic bonsai growing techniques forum.