Hornbeam Cuttings

CrisisM0de

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Hello,

I have been all over the internet and have joined several Facebook groups. I feel like its really difficult to find comprehensive information and thorough explanations of certain aspects of bonsai and the cultivation of trees. Maybe it is just me. Anyway, I am new here and new to bonsai! I live in Michigan and we have had quite a hot summer. Over the last couple of weeks I have attempted to propagate hornbeam through cuttings. They have all dried up and died. The same happened to some crab apple and the Japanese red maple that I attempted. So, I decided to make a little greenhouse. One day later I check out of curiosity and they appear to have dried up even faster. This greenhouse is in direct sun for about 6 hours a day (11-5ish) Are these cuttings too small, bad time of the year, etc? I am just not sure what I am doing and having a hard time getting started with cuttings.

Are semi-ripe cuttings the way to go? Am I better off attempting hardwood cuttings in winter? Is one better than the other for starting material, or is it entirely dependent on the species?

Thank you!
Nick

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CrisisM0de

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Does this help?


Yes, thank you! And I expect my troubles are at least partly due to the time of year, I just wanted to find some way to get started this summer yet. :)
 

cmeg1

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I am at work now.Best when they are prepared healthily pumpin’ with photosynthesis goodies and calcium
 

cmeg1

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Humidity is good.Deep humidity is excellent....picky species will get shocked when tou bring themnout with really gentle care.This can be annoying.
Other species like an elm are much more resilient to this shock period from humidity change when done...pines are too.

I am currently rooting Hornbeam aeroponically to much better effect.
I personally like leaving seedling roots attached and do a girdle(ring bark air-layer) of the seedling and put whole thing in the cloner.....50-75% humidity is best for aeroponics.I have a dome for it but rarely use it.....I just mist twice a day with water.

prep is everything.......my trees are super pumped from co2 fertilization and extra calcium and suppliments(see attached article above).MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERANCE.

I am at work ,but can give more tips later or soon...have a busy weekend coming up.

I dipped these seedling air-layers in straight Hormex or another one I am more familier with is Dip&Grow......works very good..........need to fo e tune this stuff.......others use straight dirt though..........I am a perfectionist when it comes to roots first.

my current aeroponic recipe is below........

I got the little Hornbeams to root a few weeks ago.Now I am going bigger and should have evn better roots...........Elm and zelkova will be a breeze......Hornbeams are alittle more difficult.Though it is stated by many they layer well!
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cmeg1

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It has been 3 days and these big boys are way happier in the cloner than the little ones were.
Twice a day mist and about 55-70% humidity in room is good too.
I must say I am tired of the domes and all the transitioning from different humidities that come with it.....can be an issue with more finicky trees.
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shimbrypaku

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Thanks for the information again,I have a cloner in the mail and will try your formula.
Thanks again
 

CrisisM0de

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Now that I see yours I think maybe I have beech trees which I read will not grow this way. I was certain it was hornbeam though. Also, I am collecting cuttings from the woods near my house, I don't know if that matters.

You have a great little operation going there!


Thank you for your help
 

cmeg1

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Now that I see yours I think maybe I have beech trees which I read will not grow this way. I was certain it was hornbeam though. Also, I am collecting cuttings from the woods near my house, I don't know if that matters.

You have a great little operation going there!


Thank you for your help
I believe it says in Dirrs handbook for cuttings that beech are sometimes considered impossible cuttings material.......though air-layering can be possible...though some have managed to root beech from cuttings.....if I am correct.I was just looking the other day.
 

sorce

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Welcome to Crazy!

Dig something with some roots!

Sorce
 

Rivian

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Dont make cuttings where you can airlayer. Much better success rate and more developed result.

Btw those six hours in full sun probably roasted your cuttings. If you must do cuttings, use inorganic substrate to make things hard on fungi. Like perlite, vermiculite, rough sand, akadama or a mixture. Leave the greenhouse open a bit so theres some constant fresh air and the heat cant go up too high. Place the green house in semi-shade or below a shade net. The substrate can never dry out or stay soggy, and as I said the greenhouse cant get too warm.
 
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