How to graft a Podocarpus bonsai? Detailed explanation of the technical key points

  Grafting Podocarpus has been popular for a long time. Because this technique is simple, low-cost and quick to show results, grafted Podocarpus has become very common. Although the technique is simple and easy to learn, the survival rate of grafting is still not high at present.

  In some cases it is because there is a variety difference between the scion and the old stump, lacking affinity; in some cases it is because the scion grows too weakly and dies from dehydration after being hung and tied onto the stump; in some cases it is because the grafting technique is not solid enough or the aftercare management is not in place, and so on. Often more than 10 scions are grafted onto one tree, but only about half of them actually survive. Although the survival rate of this grafting method is not high, it is currently the most effective way to make a transplanted Podocarpus fill out quickly.

  Grafting process:

  1. Tools and materials to prepare before grafting: single-edge razor blades, because they are sharper than grafting knives and have a thin edge; plastic cling bags, used to bag the scions and grafting sites to retain moisture; medical disinfecting alcohol, used to disinfect and sterilize the razor blades; nylon rope, used to tie the scions.

  2. Green-twig grafting method: Use a 2-year-old potted large-leaf Podocarpus as the rootstock. Before grafting, prune the rootstock appropriately, cutting off opposite branches, front-facing branches and other branches that are not conducive to shaping, then select green twigs of Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Miyeki' (fine-leaf Podocarpus), 3~4 cm long, as scions; the overly long parts can be cut into sections and kept for later use. The cutting method for the scions is the same as for conventional grafting. Pay special attention to aligning the cambium of the scion with that of the rootstock. Other operations and post-grafting management are the same as for other grafting methods. If managed properly after grafting, the survival rate can reach about 95%.

  3. High-branch grafting method: Use a relatively large large-leaf Podocarpus as the rootstock, and graft fine-leaf Podocarpus onto the positions where branches are needed using the cleft grafting method. The specific operation is the same as the general cleft grafting method. However, the survival rate of this grafting method is relatively low, so multiple scions need to be grafted around the same branching point.

  4. Side grafting method: Use a 2-year-old or 3-year-old large-leaf Podocarpus as the rootstock; the specific operation and management are the same as the five-needle pine grafting method. If managed properly, the survival rate of this grafting method can reach about 90%. No matter which of the above methods is used for grafting, the scions need to be bagged to retain moisture. Although fine-leaf Podocarpus can be grafted all year round, if it is done in the severe heat of summer or the cold of winter, management must be extremely careful to ensure the survival rate. I think that when grafting skills are not yet proficient, it is better to first use 2~3-year-old large-leaf Podocarpus for side grafting, and then carry out green-twig grafting or green-twig high grafting from April to July, as this helps improve the grafting survival rate.