Alligator juniper

[markyscott]

Still growing strong.

 

[markyscott]

One of the things I like about Alligator Juniper is the deadwood. There’s something about it that looks like needle juniper.

 

[Hartinez]

Great timing on the update. Is there a reason you chose approach grafts and not Scion grafts for such a small plant Mark?

 

[markyscott]

Great timing on the update. Is there a reason you chose approach grafts and not Scion grafts for such a small plant Mark?

I did two approach grafts and two cleft grafts (you might be able to see the plastic bag in one of the pictures). One of the scions died and the other is barely hanging on. But both approach grafts are growing like gang-busters. This is typical for me - I have close to 100% success rate with approach grafts, but I’m about 50/50 when I cleft graft. So the short answer is - better chance of success.

- S

 

[Hartinez]

I did two approach grafts and two cleft grafts (you might be able to see the plastic bag in one of the pictures). One of the scions died and the other is barely hanging on. But both approach grafts are growing like gang-busters. This is typical for me - I have close to 100% success rate with approach grafts, but I’m about 50/50 when I cleft graft. So the short answer is - better chance of success.

- S

Can’t argue with results!! Also never heard the term cleft graft. Thanks Scott!

 

[markyscott]

Can’t argue with results!! Also never heard the term cleft graft. Thanks Scott!

Strictly speaking, a cleft graft is where you make a horizontal cut across the stem of the understock. Then you split the stem and insert the scions into the split close to the cambium. What we do is similar, except we don’t cut the stem completely. It’s called a “side cleft graft”. You can find this described in this thread:

Thread 'Grafting 101'

Feb 26, 2017

In another thread I was asked to talk about grafting techniques. I'll share what I know, but I don't claim to be a grafting expert. I've done it a fair amount and with increasing regularity as part of developing trees. In fact with trees like pines, you often have no other choice BUT to graft to correct old, leggy branches. So here goes, but feel free to chime in and offer your experiences or suggest some improvements to the technique. As I said, I'm no expert - just a student of horticulture and bonsai like the rest of us.

And the best grafting quote I know is by Brent Watson...

• markyscott

• 

- S