How to Make Cuttings from different varieties

Are you interested in propagating your favorite plants to create new ones? Making cuttings from different varieties is a great way to expand your garden or indoor plant collection. Whether you have experience in gardening or are trying it for the first time, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to successfully make cuttings from a variety of plants. From selecting the right tools and materials to preparing the cuttings and caring for them after planting, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get ready to grow!

Introduction:
If you’re a Bonsai enthusiast, you might have come across the phrase “making cuttings” in conversations or social media posts. This is a propagation technique that involves generating new plants from the parent plant, with the same genetic makeup. Cuttings are an ideal method to grow your Bonsai garden with minimal investment, and the good news is, it’s one of the easiest things to do in Bonsai. In this article, we’ll explore how to make cuttings from different varieties of plants such as Juniper, Maple, and Citrus.

Making Cuttings from Different Varieties:

1. Juniper Cuttings:
   Juniper is one of the most popular types of plants for Bonsai. For Juniper cuttings, you’ll need a healthy parent plant and a sharp pair of garden shears. The ideal thickness of the cutting should be about the thickness of a toothpick or a matchstick. The best time to take the cutting is during the growing season. Cut the tip of the branch and remove the needles, leaving only a few on the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot or tray filled with soil. Water the cutting, and cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Juniper cuttings are shown to have rooted successfully after six months.
2. Maple Cuttings:
   Maple trees are known for their vibrant colors, unique leaf shapes, and overall beauty. Making cuttings from a Maple tree is considered an advanced technique since it requires a bit more attention and care. You’ll need a sharp pair of scissors, rooting hormone, and a pot or tray filled with a 50/50 mixture of sand and compost. The best time to take the cutting is during the dormant season, usually in late winter. Cut a branch that is approximately eight-inches long and remove all the leaves except for the top two. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it into the soil mixture, making sure it’s at least an inch deep. Water the cutting, and cover the pot with a plastic bag. Place it in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist. Your cutting should root in six to eight weeks.
3. Citrus Cuttings:
   Citrus trees are commonly grown for their deliciously sweet fruits, but they also make excellent Bonsai plants. For Citrus cuttings, you’ll need a healthy parent plant, garden shears, rooting hormone, and a deep tray filled with soil. Citrus trays are preferred for cuttings because they are deeper and generate more heat. The best time to take the cutting is during the growing season. Cut a branch that is approximately six inches long and remove all but the top two leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in the tray. Water the cutting, and cover the tray with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Your tray with a hundred cuttings can be ready in three months.

Herons Bonsai:
Herons is a UK-based company that offers a wide range of Bonsai trees and tools for enthusiasts. In addition to outdoor and indoor Bonsai trees, Herons also has a branded clothing range in collaboration with ethical clothing brand Teemill. You can find their products on their website and social media pages for Herons: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. They also have a YouTube channel featuring tutorials and product reviews related to Bonsai. Recently, Herons produced a video with Brazilian Jiu-jitsu coach, Neto, who became addicted to Bonsai during the first lockdown. The video is about making cuttings to propagate plants for Bonsai.

Conclusion:
Making cuttings is a simple and affordable method to expand your Bonsai garden. Depending on the plant variety, you’ll need to follow specific steps to ensure successful rooting. Juniper, Maple, and Citrus are some of the most popular plant varieties to make cuttings from. Additionally, Herons is a UK-based company that offers a diverse range of Bonsai trees and tools for enthusiasts.

FAQs:

1. Is making cuttings cheaper than buying a starter plant?
   Yes, making cuttings is a more affordable option to propagate new plants rather than buying a starter plant.
2. What is the proper thickness for a cutting?
   The ideal thickness of a cutting should be about the thickness of a toothpick or a matchstick.
3. How long does it take for Juniper cuttings to root?
   Juniper cuttings have been shown to root successfully after six months.
4. What is the best season to take Citrus cuttings?
   The best season to take Citrus cuttings is during the growing season.
5. Can Maple cuttings be done by beginners?
   Making cuttings from Maple trees is considered an advanced technique and might not be suitable for beginners.

James

Creativity in writing is becoming a scarcity.

Between the constant temptation to dance for the algorithm and the staggering advance of artificial intelligence, our world is spiraling into what I believe to be a creative crisis.

For us to remain an emotionally-aware race, while at the same time pushing humanity forward, we must cultivate and champion creativity both in ourselves and in the generations to come and write as we feel.

This is why I’m dedicating the next decade of my life to exploring the subject of creativity as both an artist and teacher.

I hope you enjoy my content

Best

James
My Bonsai Journey