Cloning, in regards to bonsai, refers to the act of taking a cutting from a branch or stem cut from a mature plant, it is then treated and placed in a substrate to grow.
Using a cutting to grow your bonsai is known as cloning and can be beneficial in a few different ways. Cuttings will usually create roots which grow evenly outwards and are helpful in creating stable Nebari (surface roots). By using a cutting, you are also able to predict the character your bonsai will have. It is certain to have identical DNA to the ‘mother tree’ so your bonsai tree will thus be a clone of the ‘mother’. Whilst a certain amount of patience is still required to grow a bonsai from a cutting, it is a quicker process than trying to grow your bonsai from a seed, it reduces the time taken to grow into a tree by about a year.
If you intend to grow a bonsai from a cutting it is recommended that you purchase a root hormone, this will give the cutting the nutrients it requires in order to grow roots. Root hormone can be purchased from garden centers or online and is available in a liquid or powder form. In liquid form you will need to dilute it with water in a spray bottle. There’s also gel form, which we recommend. This one is always available and works well for us.
The best time to take a cutting is during the spring and summer months.
There are three different types of cuttings that you are able to use to clone your bonsai, these are:
Greenwood cuttings
To clone a bonsai using green cuttings, you should take them during the spring or early in the summer. This is the time when sap flow and growing sugars have become active and will produce new growth. The cutting should be taken off the new green growth and be around 6 to 10cm although the size will vary depending on the species of the tree.
The cut should be made just below the bottom leaf nodes. This is where the new roots will grow. Ideally two nodes should be planted in the substrate with a further five or six above the soil. The nodes should be defoliated with the exception of the top two.
Cuttings should be taken in the morning.
Ripe Wood Cuttings
If you’re going to use semi ripe cuttings to make a bonsai clone, you should take the cuttings in the summer. The current seasons growth should have begun to mature and have turned woody and firm. These are the nodes that will be used for root growth. At least a third of the leaves should be removed and the bottom two nodes should be place in the soil.
Ripe cuttings are much the same, however they should be taken in Autumn and will have ripened further.
Hardwood Cuttings
These are taken late in Autumn after the leaves have fallen, the tree will be preparing for its winter dormancy period. The tree should have stored growth sugars over the growth seasons and this will be used by your cutting to grow roots over the winter. Hardwood cuttings should be slightly longer around 15 to 20cm. They should also have the tip cut off. Make the cut in an upwards sloping direction.
Remove leaves from the first 3 or four nodes. When placing in the soil, cover the first two nodes.
Now you need to know how to grow a bonsai from a cutting. Here is a step by step guide.
Steps to Clone a Bonsai
Before you begin you will need:
- a suitable pot
- pruning shears
- root hormone
- chopstick
Ensure that all tools you are using are sterile to avoid fungal infections.
Step 1: Prepare your pot with your chosen soil substrate. The substrate should be moist.
Step 2: Cut the branch from the ‘Mother plant’ using sharp cutters. Prune the branch at an angle of 45degrees.
Step 3: Dip the branches in the root hormone.
Step 4: Prepare a small hole in your substrate, you can use a chopstick or similar object.
Step 5: Place your cutting gently into the hole, two nodes down if possible. Gently push the Soil around the cutting to hold it firmly in place.
Step 6: Place in the shade and allow the soil to dry slightly. Watering straight away will wash away the root hormone.
Step 7: Water thoroughly, you should be able to see the water draining through the drainage holes.
Humidity is vital to the growth of cuttings, therefore, you should mist frequently and keep the soil substrate moist.
Whether you’re growing your bonsai from a seed, sapling or from clone, your patience and practice will be rewarded with a beautiful creation which you can care for and style for many years to come.
There are many amazing ways to grow bonsai trees. If you want a more long term approach. Consider growing a bonsai tree from a seed.