AusBonsai

So some may be aware I have a situation that needs to be attended to, see here:viewtopic.php?f=133&t=16551
My question is WHEN should I take cuttings so I can get my grafting material ready? Some of my figs have new shoots/branches that are 300mm-500mm in length. I would like to use these for my grafts, after all, I have to shorten them anyway, so why waste them. I have some that are green and approx. 4-7mm thick. Some also exist on a tree which is screaming out for a trunk chop but these ones are branches, so they're wood
Many thanks for all the ideas and help I've had along the way

Hi Raymond, why not do an approach graft or a hairpin graft. Instead of waiting for the cutting to take roots , grow out one of the branches and simply graft it. Also seeing your other thread, the wound where the branch broke is only new, so by giving the tree and trim you will get a bud there.

bonborn wrote:Hi Raymond, why not do an approach graft or a hairpin graft. Instead of waiting for the cutting to take roots , grow out one of the branches and simply graft it. Also seeing your other thread, the wound where the branch broke is only new, so by giving the tree and trim you will get a bud there.

Thanks for the suggestion mate.

I take cuttings or do other work on Ficus when the overnight temps stay above 15 deg
For me in Sydney, that is from October onwards

Ken

Best time would probably be in warmer weather but where you are I would expect reasonable success even now.
Also agree with Bonborn - more than one way to grow a bonsai.

Another option is the Urushibata technique of grafting a big branch...just in case you decide to have some fun.
You can airlayer a branch, cut it well bellow the airlayer, and graft it , by making a hole in the tree. Meanwhile the roots will support the branch while fusing.