Hibiscus Propagation
 More Information?  Questions?  Email me!ganmor@hotkey.net.au

Home

Propagation

Cuttings

Grafts
   Side Graft
   Wedge Graft
   Rind/Bark Graft
   Standards
   Recycling
  
Whip-and-tongue

Seeds

 

Recycling the Failed Graft

The recycling is finished above - shown with more old grafts at the side - these were recovered from year-old "bonsaied" by neglect material in the old shed. Below can be seen the material I started with and the half-processed grafts.  You'll notice I repotted the final plants to give a better sap flow through the graft union and the bags maintain humidity for about 2-3 weeks before removal.  There is no need for misting as that is used essentially to root cuttings by creating a temperature difference between the tops and bottoms of cuttings. These plants were heavily rooted even inside the tubes after the excess roots were pruned off. They will now be watered about twice a week under 70% shade. Below, the discussion continues.

 
The old graft scar on the left may be compared with the one on the right that has been shaved.  You'll notice the cambium is fresh all round and a new scion could be cut to fit. The centre wood doesn't regrow anyway and all growth comes from the edges - however, it doesn't look very attractive. That's why, as seen below, if the root-stock was long enough, it is better to cut the whole top off and do a wedge or side graft.  The centre one shows a whip-and-tongue graft where a 20% or so angled cut matches the two surfaces.  An extra cut parallel to the stem is made about a third of the way down and extends till level with two-thirds. The two pieces "lock" together using the centre sliver of wood to slot in to the cuts, one from each.