What factors affect the success or failure of grafting flowers and bonsai?
In order to improve the ornamental and economic value of bonsai by changing inferior varieties into superior ones, grafting techniques are often needed. With the advancement of grafting techniques and a deeper understanding of plant growth patterns, trees can be grafted throughout all four seasons. But why do some people achieve a very high grafting survival rate while others get a very low one, and sometimes the same person achieves a high rate at times and a low rate at other times? Through careful observation and experience, the author has come to realize that, apart from the level of skill in the operation, the following main factors also affect the survival rate. The author now shares and discusses this with reader friends.
I. Technical operation
Technical operation is the primary factor affecting the grafting survival rate. To ensure a high survival rate, taking "wedge grafting" as an example, the following points are very important: First, when the scion is cut into a wedge shape, the cut surface should be chosen on the side of the bud to ensure that the nutrient supply line to the grafting bud is not severed. The two sides of the cut surface should be level with each other, and the bud side should be slightly thicker than the other side. At the same time, it should be cut in one stroke, and the knife should not be drawn back if possible, so that the cut surface is smooth and the contact is more extensive.
Second, the rootstock should be split on one side to facilitate insertion and tying of the scion, and at the same time the cambium layers should be aligned, with 2 mm of the upper part of the scion's cut surface left exposed to facilitate union and callus formation.
Third, the binding should be tight and secure, with good waterproofing and moisture retention. After the cambium layers are aligned, plastic tape should be used to bind tightly from bottom to bottom, sealing the interface and the scion, leaving only the grafting bud exposed. Alternatively, after tightly binding the joint, a plastic bag can be used to cover and seal it, so that external water cannot enter the interface, and neither the rootstock interface nor the scion loses water.
II. Selection of the rootstock grafting point and the scion
The selection of the grafting point and the scion is an important factor in the survival rate. If chosen correctly, it can greatly increase the survival rate; otherwise, the opposite is true. Due to differences in the root system, diseases, pests, external injuries, and the influence of branches, the branches of bonsai trees have strong-growth zones and weak-growth zones. Therefore, to improve the grafting survival rate, we should choose the grafting point in a strong-growth zone.
Selection of the scion: for grafting in winter and spring, choose branches that are free of pests and diseases, with plump, robust buds; for summer grafting, choose new branches that have already become woody, with buds that have already grown plump and are free of pests and diseases; for autumn grafting, flower buds have generally already formed, so the scion should be selected from branch buds, not flower buds, and even less should latent buds and diseased buds be selected.
III. Weather and humidity
Weather and humidity are also one of the main factors affecting the survival rate. A sudden drop in temperature after grafting in spring, autumn and winter, and grafting in summer hot weather of varieties that are in a semi-dormant state, such as rose (Rosa chinensis) and Chaenomeles species of crabapple, will all affect the survival rate. In addition, when the air humidity is high during grafting, the survival rate is high; conversely, the survival rate is low. The reason why the survival rate is high when grafting on cloudy days, before 8 a.m. on sunny days, and after 5 p.m. is precisely because of the effect of humidity. When the air humidity is high, the scion and the rootstock interface do not easily lose water; at the same time, when humidity is high, plant growth is vigorous, callus tissue forms quickly, and the two sides unite quickly. Especially when grafting after 5 p.m., after a night of dew and moist humidity, the survival rate will be greatly increased.
Growing flowers requires flower boxes. Xi'an Xinchuanghui flower pots have good air permeability, allowing air to better pass through the flower pot to add oxygen to the soil, with 360-degree all-round breathing, no fear of root rot, and a high survival rate. They save 90% more water than traditional flower pots, are eco-friendly, and require no oxygen supply for raising fish. If interested, you can log on to the China Flower Box Trading Network to make a selection.