Grafting Juniper Bonsai

The rustic charm of classic juniper bonsai tends to make an exotic, eye-catching addition to any garden, and they are simpler to grow and train than most people imagine. Material grafted onto juniper must belong to the conifer family Cupressaceae. Grafting is used to shape or fill in the form of a juniper bonsai by adding a scion -- a branch or root -- to the stock or stump. Ideally, the scion should be approximately the identical diameter as the stock. Graft junipers in the spring or summer. Most species of juniper grow in Sunset Climate Zones 1 although 24 and 31 through 45

Grafting Basics

1. Choose a scion from the very same tree or one more tree. It should not be bigger than two inches broad.
2. Cut 3/4 to 1 1/2 inch into the bark of the stock or stump at the angle you wish the scion to grow. Do not cut into the hardwood of the stock.
3. Cut the end of the scion in a shape to match the cut you created into the stock.
4. Insert the scion into the cut on the stock. The portion of the scion without the bark should face the interior of the tree.
5. Secure the scion onto the stock with a rubber band.

Post Graft Care

1. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the graft to keep it from sunlight.
2. Wire a small plastic bag over the scion and the stock.
3. Use a syringe to inject a small amount of water into the bag. This is to keep the area around the graft moist.
4. When the scion commences to grow -- soon after a number of weeks -- poke a few holes in the bag to release the water.
5. Remove the plastic bag following about one year.

Tip

Juniper scions and stock will usually knit collectively by themselves without the optional plastic bag. Making use of a plastic bag supplies greater surroundings for the scion and stock to grow with each other will enhance the probabilities of a profitable graft.