AusBonsai

I recently acquired 2 Swamp Cypress they where in tubes and are very leggy ...what is the best time of year to reduce these ,I have re-potted them into larger pots to let them grow out a bit
And can I use the tops for cuttings ?
Thanks in advance
Barry

Hi Barry1 , mate they can be struck from cuttings , its with a lot of material its hit and miss . If you want to take the top as a cutting i would do it just prior to bud burst giving the cutting the best chance as the can rot over winter hence my failures .Heal cuttings tend to grow one sided roots from my experience , ring bark the bottom 10mm of the cutting has produced the best results . Striking without hormone powder or paste has also produced better results here . Hope this helps , maybe other have other methods . If you are after basic movement they can be wound around a stake or wire , they pump/ thicken quick so keep a close eye on wires . I have a few here which when i get the spare time i will post up as a topic .

Cheers Alpineart

Thanks mate for the response ... chopping them in Spring time would be the best option then ,I look forward to seeing your pics

Barry

Any chance of those photos yet Alpine ?

He has probably lost the swampies in amongst all of his trees Barry

Seriously yes wait to cut back until Spring. If you keep up the fert you can probably cut back twice over the growing season for taper. And as Ian said if you wire keep an eye on them - they can grow as fast as figs

Hi Barry1 , mate i'm under the pump with orders , re-potting and digging up plants , with the occasional hunt , sorry about my slack approach to your request i completely forgot .Hope this helps .

Cheers Alpine

Thanks for the info guys ! will leave the cuttings until spring time