Has anyone done a native phoenix graft?

[greg27]

I've collected some (what I think are) interesting bits of wood that I've spotted whilst wandering around. These are most likely to be Eucalyptus, possibly river red gum, based on where I found them. I've been collecting these with the vague intention of trying out a phoenix graft at some point. I had a bit of a search but I couldn't find any examples of someone trying a phoenix graft with an Aussie native, specifically Eucalyptus.

Any examples, success stories or advice appreciated!

[quodlibet_ens]

Today I learnt about Phoenix grafts.

And you young bonsai, I will watch your progression with great interest *pats young bonsai on the shoulder*

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[greg27]

And you young bonsai, I will watch your progression with great interest *pats young bonsai on the shoulder*

I suppose there are some that consider phoenix grafts the dark side of bonsai art Many consider them to be... unnatural.

[quodlibet_ens]

I suppose there are some that consider phoenix grafts the dark side of bonsai art Many consider them to be... unnatural.

Honestly, this post has made my day already. Bonsai and Star Wars, can't get much better than that.


In all seriousness, is it possible to learn this technique?

[TimS]

I’ll be interested to see how you go with it, I don’t think I’ve seen any Phoenix grafts that’s particularly appeal to me, they tend to seem a bit forced, like the artificial planting of the tree with the wood just doesn’t quite gel together. Then again I’m not really a fan of decaying or carved deadwood in the first place.

Hopefully you can convert me!

[gordonb]

I suppose there are some that consider phoenix grafts the dark side of bonsai art Many consider them to be... unnatural.

Honestly, this post has made my day already. Bonsai and Star Wars, can't get much better than that.


In all seriousness, is it possible to learn this technique?

The Dark side ?....sure.
Phoenix grafts [I think the Japanese call them 'tanuki' which I am told translates to something like "to lie"]
You attach a you flexible plant to the deadwood, sometimes with cutting channels into the wood for the young tree to grow into/through, in such a way as to imply regeneration of an almost dead tree coming back. Very easy with flexible juniper material. Running it through a chnannel, the graft can grow to fill the channel and then spread out over the top, over time. This will help the attachment of the graft to the host.