Grafting Bonsai introduced

Summary

In this video, Oscar Yonker celebrates his 20th anniversary by demonstrating the art of grafting, using juniper as an example. Although fall is not the ideal season for grafting, the video guides viewers through the process, including shoot selection, scion preparation, and the grafting procedure itself. Key tips include using sharp tools like a grafting knife or razor blade, wrapping the graft with buddy tape, and sealing the graft with latex sealer. The video offers practical advice for improving bonsai trees by changing foliage, improving growth, and avoiding common grafting mistakes. Proper aftercare is also covered to ensure success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Grafting is the main focus of the video, using juniper as an example, despite it not being the ideal season for grafting.
• 😀 The best time to graft juniper is during the growing season, ideally from April to June in temperate regions.
• 😀 The shoot selection process is important; choose a strong, modestly-sized shoot with enough foliage to provide energy for the graft.
• 😀 Tools such as a grafting knife or razor blade can be used for grafting, but sharpening is essential for success.
• 😀 Two cuts should be made on the shoot: a long cut (about an inch) and a short one to prepare the scion for insertion.
• 😀 Protect the shoot from drying out using parafilm or buddy tape to create a tiny greenhouse environment and maintain moisture.
• 😀 After preparing the scion, make a precise cut on the stock (the plant with roots) and insert the scion into the stock, ensuring alignment of the cambium layers.
• 😀 Secure the graft with nursery tape to close any gaps between the scion and the stock, but avoid damaging the branch.
• 😀 Seal the grafted area with latex sealer to prevent moisture from entering, which could cause graft failure.
• 😀 Aftercare is relatively easy when using buddy tape; minimal protection like light shade cloth may be needed, especially to avoid sunburn.

Q & A

What is grafting and why is it important in bonsai care?

Grafting is a horticultural technique used to join a scion (a piece of a plant with desired traits) to a rootstock (a plant with established roots). It allows for the improvement of bonsai trees by changing their foliage, enhancing growth patterns, or rejuvenating leggy branches.

What is the ideal time for grafting juniper trees?

The best time to graft juniper trees is during the growing season, ideally between April and June, when the plant is actively growing. This is when the cambium layer is most active and the graft is more likely to succeed.

Why is fall not the ideal time to graft junipers?

Fall is not ideal for grafting junipers because the plant is not actively growing, and the cambium layer is less responsive, which can lead to a higher failure rate in grafting attempts.

What is the purpose of trimming the shoot before grafting?

Trimming the shoot helps to create a clean, manageable cutting surface for the graft. By removing lower shoots and excess growth, you make space for the insertion cut and ensure that the scion has enough, but not excessive, foliage to support itself after grafting.

What tools are recommended for making grafting cuts?

A sharp grafting knife is commonly used for making precise cuts, although a razor blade can also work if it is sharp enough. The key is to ensure that the tool is very sharp, as clean cuts are essential for the grafting process.

How do you prevent the grafted area from drying out?

To protect the grafted area from drying out, you can use materials like parafilm or buddy tape. These materials help to seal the grafted area, creating a moisture-retentive environment that prevents desiccation while the graft heals.

What is the purpose of using buddy tape during grafting?

Buddy tape is used to wrap the grafted area to retain moisture and create a mini greenhouse effect around the graft. It helps prevent dehydration, which can lead to graft failure, by keeping the grafted area warm and humid.

Why is it important to seal the grafted area after wrapping it with tape?

Sealing the grafted area prevents water from entering, which could otherwise cause the graft to rot or fail. Using a latex sealer or similar product creates a protective barrier against moisture and contaminants, helping ensure a successful graft.

What are the potential risks of using a bag over the grafted area?

Using a bag over the grafted area can create a greenhouse effect, which can cause the temperature inside the bag to rise too high, potentially 'cooking' the scion and causing it to fail. This is why materials like buddy tape or parafilm are preferred for maintaining proper humidity and temperature levels.

How should you care for a grafted bonsai after the process is completed?

After grafting, the tree can be placed outside in the yard, although some light shade may be necessary to protect the graft from intense sunlight. Grafted plants using buddy tape typically do not require a protected environment, but care should be taken to ensure the graft is not exposed to extreme heat or dry conditions.

What advice is given for beginners who are new to grafting?

Beginners are advised to practice on sacrificial scions first to refine their cutting technique. Grafting can be tricky, and practicing will help improve precision. It's also important to start with healthy stock plants and use sharp tools to ensure successful grafting.

What are the benefits of grafting for bonsai trees?

Grafting allows for the improvement of a bonsai’s structure, such as changing leggy foliage to denser growth or altering the plant’s genetic makeup for desired traits. It's an effective way to rejuvenate a plant, improve its appearance, and extend its life.