How to Grow a Bonsai From Cuttings
Many people believe bonsai is a species of tree, but it is not. Bonsai is an ancient way of growing miniature trees. According to Harvard University's "Informal Study of Bonsai," this unique form of gardening has been in use in China for more than 1,000 years. In Japan, the use of cuttings for growing Bonsai is referred to as "Sashiki." Create more bonsai trees from an existing plant or by taking cuttings from trees in your yard or on your property. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bonsai pot
- Mesh screen
- Wire cutters
- Floral wire
- Fine gravel
- Akadama clay
- Plastic pail
- Wooden spoon
- Pruning shears
- Bonsai rooting compound
- Watering can
Instructions
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Find a bonsai pot for your cutting. The pot should have a small hole in the bottom. This allows water to drain freely.
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Cut a 3-inch square piece of screen. Place this over the hole. Cut a 6-inch piece of floral wire from the roll.
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Lay the screen in the bottom of the pot. Mold your wire with your hands into the shape of a large hairpin.
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Slide the hairpin shape into the screen. Pick up the pot, keeping the screen in place with one hand. Use your other to fold the ends of the wire flush against the outside of the pot. This will keep the screen in place when the plant is watered.
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Fill the bottom ¼ of the pot with a 50/50 mix of fine gravel and akadama clay.
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Pour 2 cups of akadama and 1 cup of fine gravel in a plastic pail. Stir in 1 cup of potting compost. Mix it well.
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Transfer the pail contents to the bonsai pot, filling in to just below the rim of the container.
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Cut a 2 to 4 inch clipping of the tree or bush for your new bonsai. Make the cut at a slant. Pull away any leaves or branches growing on the bottom half of the plant.
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Immerse the roots in Bonsai rooting compound. This is not a requirement, but it helps the cutting to root faster. You can plant the cutting without using a rooting compound.
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Poke a hole in the container soil with your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon. Place the plant half way in the soil.
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Sprinkle water over the new plant without pouring too heavily. Do not disturb the soil.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the plant out of direct sunlight for a few weeks.
Plant several cuttings at once, removing the ones that die.
Take cuttings in spring or summer for the best results.
Protect new plants from windy weather. Strong winds may uproot your new plant.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
