Brazilian Pepper Tree

[AZbonsai]

I cut down this Brazilian Pepper tree in my backyard because it was hanging over into the neighbors yard and parts of it had died off. The stump that was left started throwing some really good suckers so I thought I might cut a few out and see if I could get them to root.
The Source:

The Victim:

Close Up: about 1.5 inches across

Rooting Powder:

Finished Job:

Questions:
Should I defoliate?
Do you have any suggestions?

 

[AZbonsai]

Maybe Future Raft:

 

[0soyoung]

Questions:
Should I defoliate?

no
Photosynthesis is what drives growing roots

Do you have any suggestions?

yes
Keep it out of direct sun.
Build a humidity tent around it so it doesn't desiccate before having grown enough new roots.

 

[AZbonsai]

Thanks I appreciate it! Do you have any experience with Pepper trees?

 

[0soyoung]

I have a xanthoxylem pipieritum (Japanese pepper tree) bonsai which being called a 'pepper' is about all it has in common with your schinus terebinthifolius.

My responses are based on general plant physiological principles:
An accumulation of auxin and photosynthate at the base of the stem is necessary for the process of cambium cell de-differentiation and differentiation into root cell initials. A continued supply of both is required to then grow roots, which basically means photosynthesis needs to be on-going. Gas exchange through the leaf stomata is required to take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, but means water will be drawn out into air that has a relative humidity less than 100% - more so, the drier the air. Yadda, yadda, yadda - you've seen what happens when you forget to water.

 

[AZbonsai]

I have a xanthoxylem pipieritum (Japanese pepper tree) bonsai which being called a 'pepper' is about all it has in common with your schinus terebinthifolius.

My responses are based on general plant physiological principles:
An accumulation of auxin and photosynthate at the base of the stem is necessary for the process of cambium cell de-differentiation and differentiation into root cell initials. A continued supply of both is required to then grow roots, which basically means photosynthesis needs to be on-going. Gas exchange through the leaf stomata is required to take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, but means water will be drawn out into air that has a relative humidity less than 100% - more so, the drier the air. Yadda, yadda, yadda - you've seen what happens when you forget to water.

I hope my response did not offend! My hope was to pick your brain some more about general Brazilian Pepper care and how they respond to bonsai practices.

 

[0soyoung]

I hope my response did not offend! My hope was to pick your brain some more about general Brazilian Pepper care and how they respond to bonsai practices.

No offense taken. Nothing even remotely offensive was said. I just know nothing specifically about your tree.

I have something in the neighborhood of 30 different species of trees in my collection. I continue to approach them all from this 'general principles' perspective to figure out how to treat them by noting how and when they respond. I feel well served by a perspective that they all are just variations on a common theme - some root more easily, some grow more vigorously, some don't break bud after the summer solstice, etc. Cork oaks (quercus suber) are about as close as I get to tropicals (not that there is anything wrong with them, I am just out of space!).

 

[AZbonsai]

Update:
I was able to get three of the pepper trees to grow. They are very healthy right now. They really have a very distinct holly appearance with the leaves being thick and stiff. Much more so than the large tree I had growing in the yard....maybe juvenile foliage? I will be repotting one in bonsai soil to see how it responds.

 

[rollwithak]

Anyone know if you can air-layer these bad boys?