Page 38 - Tài liệu Ebook cây cảnh Bonsai Basics

40 OBTAINING YOUR BONSAI

surface. Firm the compost gently around
the stem base with your fingers, so the
cutting fits snugly in the compost. Water
generously.
Dehydration is the main cause of
failure in cuttings. Professionals put
their cuttings under a mist spray. The
amateur is limited to watering his
cuttings at least twice a day while they
are growing. A good way to limit
transpiration is to place a translucent
plastic cover over the cuttings, at least
while they are rooting. But watch care-
fully for any signs of mould.
The appearance of new shoots usually
Cuttings can be taken with a budding knife, or
similar sharp bladed knife. indicates rooting and is a sign that the
cutting has taken. But some planrs can
survive on their own food reserves and
may develop shoots without having pro-
duced roots. This is why you must be
very patient and wait until you are
absolutely sure that the cutting has taken
before potting it on.

ADVANTAGES OF CUTTINGS
The main advantage without doubt is
the exact reproduction of the features of
the parent plant, an advantage shared by
other vegetative methods of propaga-
tion, particularly layering, which is de-
scribed later.
In terms of bonsai creation, cuttings
The 'eye' or bud in the axil of the leaf stalk indicates have the advantage of a specimen plant
where the cutting should be taken. on which the desired bonsai can be

Three ways of taking a cu.tting: (left to right) simple, Some cuttings can be kept covered for several days
T-shape and with a heel. The third is popular. to limit transpiration.