How Do Bonsai Trees Reproduce?

Different trees are best propagated using different methods.

Bonsai trees are propagated in the same way as other trees and plants. Because a fine bonsai specimen is often very old, propagating bonsai is the first step in many years of care and training.

Seeds

Although it is the slowest way to grow bonsai, many varieties of bonsai can be grown from seed. Some trees may need long periods of cold striation to germinate. Although this is the way trees in nature propagate, how successful you will be will depends on the species.

Cuttings

Many varieties of bonsai can grow from cuttings. Cuttings are rooted and grown in the same way as with other plants. Rooted cuttings can result in a strong, healthy root system that has fewer problems than cuttings grafted to other root stocks.

Grafting

Grafting, especially the grafting of older trees to a smaller root stock, can help create larger, older-looking bonsai without waiting many years for a specimen to grow. However, root grafting can result in some problems, like suckering or poor and unsightly graft unions. Root grafting should only be attempted by an experienced bonsai grower.

References

• Evergreen Garden Works: Root Grafts for Bonsai
• The Bonsai Primer: Creating a Bonsai from Seed
• Bonsai 4 Me: Propagation - Taking Cuttings