Bonsai technique: making miniature bonsai of elm by root insertion

Root propagation is often used in gardening, but it is not as good as pole cuttings, because cuttings are readily available, and root cuttings have to dig up the soil to get cuttings. Many tree species can make root cuttings.

However, when changing the basin, some roots are often cut off so that the thicker ones can be used as root inserts.

The characteristics of root cuttings are not available in stem cuttings, which can be directly made into roots instead of stems or roots. Because the root is buried in the soil for a long time, the color is very dark, the root skin is rough and old first, and the small bonsai made is very distinctive, which is very suitable for making miniature bonsai. Root seedlings to do bonsai, shaping quickly, can be made into a miniature bonsai in a year or two. Roots grow in the soil is crooked, the so-called intertwined, so there are often more strange lines.

Root insertion is usually carried out before sprouting at the beginning of spring, when the roots accumulate a lot of nutrients, which is conducive to the germination of new roots and buds. You can cut off part of the root, or you can use the whole root. If you use the whole root, to keep the fibrous root alive, you'd better dig and plant it now. If the root is relatively long, you can first bend the root with aluminum wire and then bury it in the soil. The root cuttings usually grow a new bud on the head, which should be erased properly, usually leaving the strongest one.

This is a schematic diagram of a root insert.

The following group of pictures are miniature bonsai made from the roots of elm trees, which are very good and can be shaped in two years. Interested friends can give it a try.