Page 167 - Tài liệu cây cảnh Bonsai4me Bonsai Basics

Autumn is best planted into a seed tray or a pot where watering and placement

can be controlled more easily than if planted straight into the ground. Use a fast
draining mix of organic soil, a 1:1 mix of multi-purpose compost and sand is
ideal though their are also many ready-mixed seed composts available at garden
centres.
Fill the seed container 1/2 to 2/3 full of compost, press it down lightly then
distribute the seed evenly across the surface. Next, cover the seed with another
layer of seed compost 2-3 times the thickness of the seed. Finally, cover the
surface of the compost with a very thin layer of grit or sharp sand to keep the
seed weighted down. Keep the compost moist at all times but never soaking wet;
water very gently to avoid disturbing the soil surface and the seed.
The seed tray can either be placed outside to germinate naturally, or for seeds
that are being germinated out of season or in unfavourable climates, the seed tray
can be placed indoors or in a greenhouse on a windowsill that receives only a
little direct sunlight.
For germination, most seeds need temperatures of between 10-15°C. Seeds
from subtropical climates need temperatures between 13-18°C and seeds from

tropical species require temperatures between 19-24°C.
After Germination
At first the seedlings will display two small immature leaves called
cotyledons, these will nurture the seedling until it produces its first 'true' leaves
at which point the seedlings can be pricked out and planted into individual pots
still using a seed compost. The compost should be kept damp at all times but
never allow to become too sodden as this can result in loss of the seedlings.
Do not start to feed the seedlings until 5 or 6 weeks after pricking out and

fertilise very gently as the immature root system will burn very easily.
As the seedlings continue to grow into saplings they can continue to be
potted on until they are large enough to be grown in the ground or used
immediately for bonsai training.

Bonsai From Cuttings

Overview

Raising new plants from cuttings is one of the most reliable ways of
propagating. In general, the technique involves taking a small piece of material
from a living plant. After inserting into a rooting medium, the cutting is able to
produce new roots and is then carefully nurtured until large enough to be potted
on.