Layering is the term used when we grow new roots on the stem of a plant so that we can produce a new plant.
There are 2 main methods: Air layering and Ground layering. There are also many variations of each of these methods.
Layering has many uses in bonsai:
- It can be used to propagate a new plant that you can then train as a bonsai. Because you can layer large branches you can start off with a nice thick trunk.
- It can be used to grow new roots at a point on the trunk that is better than the current root level.
- If a bonsai has poor nebari, a modified version of layering can be used to get new roots to fill in, and improve the nebari.
- When you have a bonsai with a really nice top but poor base you can layer and remove the good upper part as a new tree.
Here are the clusters of buds that are growing after candle pruning in mid December (early summer here). Note that these summer buds do not have the bare ‘neck’ that the stronger spring candles have. Not having bare sections means I can have much more compact growth and better ramification. Needles should also be smaller on these smaller buds which will add to the impression of a mature tree.
