If you want to propagate your golden larch as a bonsai, you have two options. We'll show you what they are and how to implement them correctly.
While the golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis) is difficult to propagate in its natural size, even in botanical gardens, bonsai growers can report quite good results. If you already have a mini tree, direct propagation can ensure that the young plant has the properties of the mother plant. This is not always the case, for example, when propagating by seed.
You can now read about what needs to be considered when propagating golden larch as bonsai and how to proceed step by step.
Two ways of propagation
The golden larch can be propagated using the following methods:
- Cuttings
- plug
Propagation by cuttings - uncomplicated and easy
The Japanese call propagation from cuttings “sashiki”. Propagation by cuttings is particularly popular in bonsai cultivation. Anyone who already owns a plant can grow new plants inexpensively and easily.
Tip: Compared to propagation from seed, a cutting grows up to a year ahead.
Win a cutting
The cutting is simply cut from the golden larches. A length of five to ten centimeters should be ensured. The cuttings can be up to half a centimeter in size.
Tip: The chance of successful rooting decreases with larger cuttings.
Right time to propagate cuttings
Since the golden larch is not actually a larch but a conifer, the propagation of cuttings can begin at two different times. Cuttings can be cut between July and August, as well as in autumn and winter, between October and January.
A special feature of the propagation of coniferous trees by cuttings is the tearing of the cuttings. The shoots, which are already well lignified at the base, are torn from the branch. It is wanted that the bark cracksreceives. This gives the cuttings more grip in the planter.
Tip: Limit yourself to woody cuttings. If too much plant sap flows through the branches, they will hardly form roots.
Propagation of cuttings step by step
1. Select planter2. Insert drainage layer
3. Fill in substrate
4. Insert cuttings5. Press the soil well
6. Water the cutting
7. Wait for roots to develop
First select a planter. A bonsai pot is just as suitable for this as a conventional flower pot. However, it is important to ensure that there are sufficient drainage holes for the irrigation water in the bottom of the vessel.
To prevent waterlogging and the cuttings from dying, a drainage layer on the bottom of the container is a good idea. To do this, put gravel, potsherds or another coarse material on the bottom of the pot. The drainage layer is covered with conventional bonsai soil.
Tip: The substrate should be rather nutrient-poor. This encourages the cutting to root.
Put the cuttings in the ground and press down lightly. Always keep the substrate slightly moist. Make sure, however, that the cuttings do not get too much moisture.
You should set up the planter warm and bright. Floor heat is particularly important, i.e. an installation location near the heating system or on a warm south-facing window. If a plastic cover is put over the planter, a greenhouse effect is created, which stimulates root formation. The cutting should reach about an inch into the soil.
You will have to wait a few months before the first roots form and the cuttings sprout.
What happens to the young plants?
It will take a few years before a bonsai can be raised. The golden larch is cultivated as usual and transplanted every two years. Transplanting is always taken as an opportunity to prune the roots. These are reduced by about a third. The taproot is completely removed. Then the later bonsai gets a secure hold in the flat planting bowl. Once the tree has reached the desired shape and size, it is transferred to the bonsai pot and regular pruning is carried out so that the small golden larch retains its growth form.
Propagation by grafting
Grafting, known as "tsugiki" by the Japanese, is also common among bonsai enthusiasts, but belongs in the hands of experienced gardeners. Grafting worksIt is about allowing a base consisting of roots and a piece of trunk to grow together with the rice, the upper trunk area with the branches located there. This technique is also known from fruit tree cultures to grow two plants in an interesting cross.
Bonsai growing involves grafting to complement branches, add roots or grow a new tree.
When to graft?
For most deciduous plants, spring and summer are ideal times for this technique. Since the golden larch is actually a species of pine, the winter months should be preferred for grafting.
Grafting golden larch - step by step
Side Graft
❶ select rice
❷ cut underlay
❸ cut rice
❹ insert rice
❺ connect rice and underlay
First the rice is selected. In this specific case, it is a piece of root or a branch that is supposed to grow again somewhere else. The size of the rice should not exceed five centimeters. The base is now slightly incised. Use a flat, sharp knife and be careful not to cut too deeply into the wood.
The rice is cut in a wedge shape at the bottom and should fit into the cut in the underlay. The rice should lie flat on the base and touch it with its rindless side. Thin wire or an elastic band is used to ensure that the rice and the base hold together well. After about two months, the rice will start to grow.
You should wait about a year before removing the tape.
Top Grafting
❶ choose base
❷ cut rice
❸ fix rice and base
In this case, a stump less than five millimeters thick serves as a base. This is cut horizontally at a height of about ten centimeters. The rice should be thinner, about half the length of the pad. With a cut about two centimeters deep, split the underlay in half. The rice is cut into a wedge shape and pushed into the gap. If the rice and the base touch congruently, the fixation is also carried out again with wire or tape.
The fixation can be removed after about a year. The rootstock will appear visibly thicker than the rest of the trunk at the point of grafting. This largely grows out over the years.
Types of propagation with their advantages and disadvantages
| Propagation method | Advantages | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cuttings | ✔ easy to cut ✔ simple method ✔ good chance of success | ✘ Plant must be available ✘ Bonsai training only possible after a few years |
| plug | ✔ versatile method ✔ proven method in horticulture ✔ good growth guarantee | ✘ tedious ✘ time-consuming ✘ less suitable for amateurs |