Size of Cuttings?

Mikeydread

Hello. Being new to Bonsai i have question for you masters of bonsai. I have taken cuttings from a japenese maple, crab apple, pine, and Korean spice bush. My friend said that they were all to big to start rooting. i took pictures of all three, what do you guys think? sorry i dont know how to host pictures so just cut and copy the links into the URL bar.

Attached Images

	img1840wg1.jpg (63.6 KB, 26 views)
	img1839pq5.jpg (52.1 KB, 26 views)

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BunjinEnt

Couldn't get to the site for some reason...


Anyway, Crabapple can root hardwood large-ish cuttings rather well. I have never done them when the leaves are out, though usually in spring.

Japanese Maple are VERY difficult to root hardwood cuttings as are pine. If you are a pro, then go for it. Use a tent and mister and root warming pad.

Never done a Korean spice bush.

-Wm

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Life without Bonsai would be...well, death.

Mikeydread

im a complete beginner to bonsai, but the type of japanese maple i have is a little different, its always got red leaves, i dont know the name... but i will try to repost the pictures. also what is a tent and mister?

BunjinEnt

Ok, most cuttings need to have high humidity atmosphere so they don't lose the water in the cutting through transpiration. 80% plus. So when cuttings are done, you put a plastic tent over them (or greenhouse or fish tank, you get the idea) Dont let the leaves or foliage touch the sides of your tent or it will rot. You will want to attenuate the amount of direct sunlight coming into tent. Plastic Sheeting will work fine. Misting also supports this premise.

Most cuttings will have greater success if using rooting hormone, but it must be specific strength depending on the species you're working with.

Cuttings tend to have greater success if they are cut just at the right time.

Cuttings tend to have greater success with root warmth above 70 deg F.

I think Pines and Maples are beyond your scope at this time, but hey, give 'em a whirl. If they work , then you have trees! And you learned something.

Portulacara Afra, Ficus, willow, elm, are great for first timers.

This is a good start for your research and study... Hope this helps.

-Wm

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Life without Bonsai would be...well, death.

BunjinEnt

Now I see your photos.

Do you have one of those small Betta Fish Tanks? if so, Lightly spray white paint all over the outside, let dry. Turn fishtank over and place over your cutting. Before you place fishtank and if you're going to leave inside, place in morning sunny window mist cutting and mist the inside of tank and place over cutting. Ensure humidity stays high inside and soil stays moist.

Good luck!

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Life without Bonsai would be...well, death.

Mikeydread

i appreciate everything, this forum is stupendously helpful because of people like you.