Bonsaify | Blue Atlas Cedar Propagation: Grafts, Air Layers, or Cuttings?

Blue Atlas Cedar make gorgeous bonsai...but they have one key trait that can make them problematic to work with: they lack an ability to reliably back bud on old growth. Thus to propagate high quality bonsai, operations such as approach grafts, air layers, or cuttings are needed. Eric shares the history of work he's done to establish a Blue Atlas Cedar bonsai, as well as attempts he's made with younger stock and even cuttings.

00:00:52 Eric begins by explaining the history of an established tree he began constructing in 2006. Over the years, the two successful approach grafts he applied have experienced very different levels of vigor, and the growth is uneven.

00:01:46 Eric makes a crazy !?! suggestion.

00:02:38 Rough plan to transition to rebuilding the crown using the second graft.

00:03:20 "Disconcerting" bend of branch.

00:03:51 Transition plans include removing the tree from its bonsai pot.

00:04:20 Eric shows another, younger tree that was successfully approach grafted onto a deodar (Himalayan) cedar base.

00:05:22 This tree also looks to have a successful air layer, seen in close-up.

00:06:30 Eric is excited that he has a proof of concept that air layering can work.

00:07:50 Propagation by cuttings is a third option (grafting and air layering being the first two). Eric reviews the results of a tray of cuttings, and shows the new growth and budding.

00:09:21 Back to the older bonsai - to get some tips running, Eric completes thinning and clean-up work.

If you want to learn more about the history of this tree, read this blog post, "Blue Atlas Cedar Saga": https://www.bonsaify.com/blogs/news-a.... What experiences have you had propagating this species? Have you had success grafting, air layering, or cutting? Let us know in the comments below! Thank you for watching; please like this video and subscribe to our channel.