Grafting method of osmanthus

Selection of grafted rootstock

Grafting method

1. Use a U-shaped knife to dig a U-shaped groove on the rootstock, with a length of about 2.5 cm, the same width as the scion, and a depth of half the diameter of the scion.

2. Take 2 buds with 2 and a half leaves as the scion, and cut the lower end of the scion into a 45-degree angle with a rounded shape. Peel off half the diameter of the scion, as shown above.

3. Insert the scion into the groove of the rootstock. At this time, the cambium on both sides of the scion and the cambium on both sides of the rootstock are exactly aligned. The size of the U-shaped groove should be just right for the scion, so that the scion can be tightly embedded together, reducing the gap between the scion and the rootstock and improving the survival rate.

4. Large rootstocks can be grafted with multiple scion grafts at the same time depending on the situation. For bonsai, I personally recommend only grafting two scion grafts. The direction of grafting should be determined according to the shape of the tree stump.

5. The scion must be selected with thick branches and full buds, which is conducive to survival.

6. From the above picture we can see that both scions can be well embedded in the rootstock and will not fall off. It means they combine well.

7. Wrap and secure with insulating tape. The reason why I use this is because it has several advantages. 1. Callus tissue grows easily in a dark environment. 2. It is easy to operate when bandaging and does not require additional binding and fixation.

8. Wrap the cross section as shown in the picture.

9. Cover the grafted scion with a transparent plastic bag to keep it moisturized and warm.

10. This is the one that has been untied for a week. The time from grafting to untying is about two months.

11. The callus tissue in the cross section seems to be motionless, but the scion has survived.

12. As can be seen from the above picture, this grafting method has a good connection effect, without any bumps, and the scion is almost flatly embedded in the rootstock, achieving our expected effect.

13. Check the overall effect after the grafting is successful. Each new shoot has been topped and buds have been controlled to promote the growth of side branches.