The tree species of bonsai can be selected as long as it is feasible to shape a certain tree type. For example, you can choose an elm embryo and cultivate it into a banyan style. The pits and nodules of elm embryo itself are easy to obtain, but it is difficult to generate air roots naturally. In order to enhance the artistic appeal of the work and improve the appreciation value of the work, the author used modelling technique to carry out the artistic creation of "grafting gas and hate", and its operation process is as follows:
(1) Select small elm trees suitable for aerial rooting grafting, and require long-root cuttings to be planted in pots for more than 1-2 years; Prepare grafting tools and materials.
(2) Dig out the soil at the head of the tree embryo, and then cut the small tree used as the grafting "air root" according to the required length, and the incision is oblique U-shaped or linear according to the grafting position of the tree embryo. Remove the cortical part about 1 cm below the incision with a knife, and keep the xylem. Its function is to make the xylem at the junction with the tree embryo closely embedded without displacement. The tree embryo should also have semi-circular gouges according to the length, short, oblique and straight cross section of the grafted part of the young tree. This operation process must be careful, and the grafting parts on both sides should be embedded while doing it, so as to make the cambium coincide.
(3) After the transplantation incision on both sides is completed, it can be fastened and fixed by hanging to avoid swinging off and affecting healing. After binding and fixing, straighten out the grafted "air root", soil and water, and then seal the seam with film to keep the wound dry and prevent bacterial infection.
(4) Due to the long healing period of the grafted "air root", it is necessary to check the situation of the joint regularly, and reinforce it in time when it is found that the bundle is not fixed in series (try to keep the original state when reinforcing, and the "air root" cannot move). If the "air root" has new buds, some transitions can be left to enhance the healing ability. Cut off these branches after the healing is successful.
(5) The grafting of "air root" should be carried out as soon as possible, preferably during the long branch modeling. During this period, the tree embryo grows vigorously and has good healing power, and there is enough time to make the grafting traces disappear, so that the artistic effect will be more perfect.
There is a difference between "air root" grafting of elm and one grafting. Head-root grafting is butt joint. A certain proportion of branches can be reserved at the butt joint of small trees used for grafting, so that the normal growth of small trees after butt joint can be maintained and the healing ability of butt joint can be improved. After healing, the branches above the butt joint can be cut off. In addition, the seasonal requirements of head-root grafting are relatively lax. The grafting of "air roots" is splicing, and the small trees used for grafting only take their roots, so it is impossible to leave branches above the interface. Therefore, the technical requirements of grafting "air root" are higher, such as the accuracy of grafting site selection, the difficulty of binding and fastening, the docking requirements of the mating interfaces of both parties, and the appropriate season. It is best to do it around "slight cold". During this period, the dormancy period of elm is coming to an end, the new buds have not yet germinated, and the nutritional loss after grafting is not great, which is conducive to the survival of "air roots". This period is also the best season for elm transplantation.
Through our introduction, I believe you will have a deeper understanding of the aerial root grafting in banyan bonsai.