Cuttings what species, size and soil mix?

[Todd]

Hi all, im new to bonsai and want to get some trees started before summer. I was wondering what trees i can take fairly thick cuttings from successfully, the size of cutting i should take and what propagation mix to put them into.

Thanks Todd.

[kcpoole]

I have cuttings of Azaleas in now. Up to about 1cm in Size and in a Perspex box, in the winter sun to keep warm

Trident Maples, Chinese Elm, Hibiscus, Ficus, all take from Hardwood cuttings.

Ken

[Todd]

Thanks ken

[shibui]

Don't forget root cuttings of elm species and zelkova. Even larger roots will strike and grow and they can make very impressive short trunks, especially for smaller trees. I find root cuttings even more reliable than stems and the bark is somehow older looking. Try to find roots with plenty of bends and twists to produce better trunks. Straight, thick roots can grow into impressive broom style. Downside of roots is reverse taper so pick your pieces carefully.

I have found maples difficult from cuttings but worth a try just in case you are better or more lucky than me.
Plums and other prunus strike well from hardwood dormant cuttings and may even root from 2-3 cm branches if you are lucky.
Willows are well known for rooting from much thicker and larger pieces of branch but not used much as bonsai.
Junipers grow well from cuttings but strike rates seem to be lower for larger diameter cuttings.

Use propagating mix from the nursery for best results or make up a cutting mix. I use 50/50 perlite/coir peat mix for cuttings but propagating sand (well washed 2-5mm grit) and peat mix is also good.

Pencil to finger thick hardwood cuttings are generally most successful. Young wood from the previous growing season seems to throw roots best but it is possible to propagate with older/thicker/thinner cuttings so keep trying different things.

[Todd]

Wow thanks for the detailed respose!
I will get some elm root cuttings and see how they go, hopefully i get a few starter trees to play around with.