Page 169 - Tài liệu cây cảnh Bonsai4me Bonsai Basics

lower third of cuttings and for semi-ripe cuttings also remove soft tips. Reduce

large leaves by half.
Hardwood Cuttings
Hardwood cuttings are taken in Autumn (after leaf-fall) to early Winter.
They consist of the leafless shoots of fully ripe growth up to 1" in diameter. Trim
to 15-23cm (6-9") if possible, with the top cut just above a bud or pair of buds
and the bottom cut just below a bud or pair of buds.
Rooting Mediums

Cuttings should be dipped into rooting hormone and inserted into a seed tray
or plant pot of a standard pre-mixed cutting compost or equal parts peat (or
substitute) and perlite or sharp sand.
Ensure that the compost is kept damp at all times but do not allow to become
too wet. Cuttings' leaves should not be allowed to touch. Watering with a
fungicide solution will lessen the chances of fungi infestation.
Maintaining Cuttings

Softwood cuttings need to be placed in a propagator to ensure humidity
levels are kept high and moisture loss is kept to a minimum. Alternatives include
placing the cuttings container in a plastic bag or frequent misting. Softwood
cuttings need to be kept at 18-24°C if at all possible. At this time of year, this
usually means placing on a bright windowsill out of direct sunlight. Fallen
leaves should be removed daily to avoid fungal growth which can kill cuttings.
As the cuttings start to grow strongly, propagator covers or plastic bags should
be removed. Softwood cuttings can start to show signs of growth within 2 or 3
weeks, they do not however root for far longer and should not be disturbed or
repotted until roots start to appear at the bottom of the container. It can take as
long as a year before softwood cuttings are strong enough to be potted on
individually.
Semi-ripe and ripewood cuttings should also be placed in a covered
propagator to ensure high humidity levels, though at this time of year (Summer
or early Autumn) the container is normally placed outside where temperatures of
around 21°C are ideal. Do not place in direct, hot sun which can dry out the

cuttings before they are able to root. As with softwood cuttings, remove fallen
leaves on a daily basis and keep the compost damp but not soaking wet. Semi-
ripe and ripewood cuttings are normally strong enough to be potted on the
following Spring.
Hardwood cuttings should be placed outside and do not require any cover;
there are no leaves to lose moisture and humidity levels during the Autumn and
Winter are naturally high. Hardwood cuttings require no more protection from