Hydroponic Techniques for Bonsai

[kirk@localbonsai.com]

Hi everyone,

I'm attempting to build an 'Aeroponic Bubble Cloner' to propagate softwood cuttings for bonsai, and I'm wondering if anyone has attempted a comparable set-up. The principle is to use the bursting of bubbles on the surface of water in the vicinity of softwood cuttings to encourage rooting.

http://localbonsai.com/preparations-for-a-bonsai-aeroponic-propagator/

A commercial unit seen here :

http://www.greenerhydroponics.com/Botanicare-Power-Cloner-77-White-Tray_p_76049.html


Thanks!

 

[davetree]

The commercial units use a spinner to throw water droplets around in the container. I think you will have more difficulty using a bubbler and having the cutting ends so close to the water. You can get all the parts at a hydro store.

 

[barrosinc]

so many people have had success using soil.
what benefits do you think this system has?

 

[kirk@localbonsai.com]

I'm doing it for the sake of trying something new, and the prospect of getting difficult-to-root species to root.

Supposedley with 30 min ON/OFF bubble cycles, a system like this can create roots in days - the exact reasons are a mystery to me.

 

[Jason_mazzy]

Depends on the species. I have been going over a week and have the smallest little roots developing on some maples. I have a couple hairs on some red pine candles.

The biggest problem for me so far has been the learning curve on ph, Nutrients, and bacteria that seem to invade.

I hope to perfect this before I am broke.

 

[M. Frary]

Sounds like an " herb" gardeners technique. What with bubblers and hydroponics and all.

 

[wireme]

You might also want to look into the aeroponic fogging set ups. You can build your own cheaply with ultrasonic pond foggers from eBay. Dunno if it's better or easier than the bubbler but I think it effective.

 

[kirk@localbonsai.com]

I did look into the pond foggers. However, I read that they have a very limited lifetime, and the vibrating wafers need replacement. I figured an air pump was simpler.

 

[Kodama16]

I'm tagging along for the long haul on this one. I've always wonder the same thing with these hydroponic systems. I was even thinking of trying a hydroponic grow bed.

 

[Jason_mazzy]

I suggest we document our findings as most stuff I can find is marijuana related which while giving a general direction isn't tailored to our hobby.

 

[michaelj]

On the horticultural side, I've learned more from my medicine-growing colleagues than I've learned from anyone else in farming or bonsai. When the tiniest advantage can mean the difference between a $100,000 crop and a $150,000 crop, you tend to be motivated to learn the how and why very well. I think those guys are a great source of knowledge.

Now, when it comes to developing good nebari, they might not have a lot of wisdom to share....

 

[Jason_mazzy]

Their plant needs may be different than ours a bit Also I don't like having weed sites filling up my browser.

 

[kirk@localbonsai.com]

thanks guys, i will be posting updates here and on my blog as I make progress.

 

[M. Frary]

Transition from soilless medium to soil may be tough also. Plants are grown hydroponically for maximum top growth then harvested. The roots on these cuttings may not be liking bonsai soil when the time comes. Transition time may set you back some because the roots have everything handed to them.
Kind of like doing your kids homework and they fail at test time.

 

[kirk@localbonsai.com]

http://localbonsai.com/update-preparations-for-a-bonsai-aeroponic-propagator/

 

[crust]

Growing bonsai in very porous modern substrates, with frequent watering, and controlled nutrition is essentially a hydroponic modality. I believe hydroponic study will be key in the long term future of horticultural progress with bonsai.

 

[Jason_mazzy]

I am using a turboklone setup with a timer system. I am very interested in doing some comparisons with your bubble system.

 

[michaelj]

Transition from soilless medium to soil may be tough also. Plants are grown hydroponically for maximum top growth then harvested. The roots on these cuttings may not be liking bonsai soil when the time comes.

Interesting point. Have you read anything from anyone who tried it?

 

[davetree]

http://localbonsai.com/update-preparations-for-a-bonsai-aeroponic-propagator/

I looked at your set up. If all four cuttings in each cup root, they will tangle up their roots. I would suggest one cutting per cup. Also at the hydro store you can buy foam rubber plugs that fit into the holes rather than use the cups. They have a slit which will hold the cutting. Much easier to remove the cutting after it's rooted, plus it keeps out the light. Most people think that cuttings roots better in darkness (the roots should be in the dark).

 

[Trent Bradbury]

Being the new guy on the block as far as bonsai is concerned I cannot offer much, However my wife and I own 3 aerogardens and having been growing vegetables and flowers for about 3 years. Hydroponically you can force a grow cycle any time of year. there is no reason why you cannot start a root cutting and develop it hydroponically. Things happen a little faster in a hydroponic setup. Nutrients and oxygen are fed directly to the root causing it to develop at a faster more efficient rate. A single aerogarden 7 would be able to propagate the cuttings you need with an initial cash outlay of less than $150.00 less if you buy an aerogarden used. check out www.aerogarden.com