Can I Make a Bonsai Tree From an Ornamental Plum Tree Branch?

Benefits of Bonsai Cuttings

• When propagating an ornamental plum tree with a cutting, only a small portion of the tree is needed. In fact, one branch may contain several potential new ornamental plum trees. Propagating an ornamental plum bonsai tree from a cutting speeds the growth rate by at least a year, relative to seed cultivation. Cuttings also provide the best chance of obtaining a tree similar to the parent.

Prepare a Cutting

• Use a sterilized pair of sharp shears to cut off a 6-inch twig from the ornamental plum tree branch. Shoots containing new growth are the best choices because they contain more rooting hormones. Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting, but leave a small part of the leaf node. To help speed up the rooting process, you can dip the end of the cutting in a synthetic hormone, but this is optional. Fill a pot with compost and thoroughly water the compost, letting the excess water drain out. Use a pencil to drill a hole into the compost and insert the ornamental plum cutting. Firmly pat the compost around the base. Cuttings must remain moist, so mist the cutting with water daily and cover it with translucent plastic to keep the cutting damp.

Repotting the Bonsai

• When the cutting starts to grow new shoots, or if it remains firmly in the soil when given a tug, you know the plant has sprouted roots. The ornamental plum cutting is then ready to be repotted. Bonsai pots are generally flatter and wider than regular plant pots, and they have large drainage holes on the bottom. Fill the pot with compost and transplant the ornamental plum tree into the bonsai pot.

Growing Conditions

• Ornamental plum bonsai trees require basically the same growing conditions as those grown normally, but with extra water and nutrients to accommodate the shallow growing pot. Bonsai trees grow best outdoors, but under the right circumstances can grow successfully indoors as well. Place the ornamental tree in full sun and keep it well-watered until the tree is established in its new pot. Afterward, add more water when the top layer of the soil feels dry to the touch. Fertilize the tree every two or three weeks during the active growing season. Prune the tree regularly so it remains small.