Lime Sulphur and Cut Paste? And Hormones.

[Zydecotwist!13]

Can any one see any benefit to treating a big wound with lime sulphur before adding cut paste? Also does anyone add hormone to their cut paste recipe?

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I don't use lime sulphur on cuts I want to heal.
The hormones in cut paste would affect the whole plant, maybe more than it would benefit healing.

 

[River's Edge]

Can any one see any benefit to treating a big wound with lime sulphur before adding cut paste? Also does anyone add hormone to their cut paste recipe?

I can see harm in adding lime sulphur to a fresh wound as it damages the live tissue. I use cut paste that contains hormones to promote healing the tissue. One does need to understand the effect of various sealants and use them appropriately or the results can be less than desirable. For example huge amounts of callus instead of a smooth closure. When the directions state apply thinly there is a reason for that direction.
A simpler process is to spray the area with Isopropyl Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide and let dry before preparing the area and edge for closure and cut paste! For those that do not have an aversion to the four letter word " BOOK" Good discussions and information with respect to this question can be found in Bonsai Heresy by Michael Hagedorn and Modern Bonsai Practice by Larry Morton.
Wound closure is important in Bonsai for three main reasons.
Prevent Dieback
Prevent disease entry
Aesthetic result, smooth closure.
I think Michael Hagedorn makes the most important distinction in the discussion when he points out that timing is critical if one hopes for better results!
Simply put take the time to disinfect and seal when the wound is fresh and the live edge has been just prepared. Allow the disinfectant to dry first, then prepare the live edge and seal.
I believe the hormones added to sealants can be a benefit particularly for those species that are slower to heal. Some species heal fast without much help and it is questionable how much benefit will be gained by hormones added to cut paste or liquid sealants.

 

[August44]

I can see harm in adding lime sulphur to a fresh wound as it damages the live tissue. I use cut paste that contains hormones to promote healing the tissue. One does need to understand the effect of various sealants and use them appropriately or the results can be less than desirable. For example huge amounts of callus instead of a smooth closure. When the directions state apply thinly there is a reason for that direction.
A simpler process is to spray the area with Isopropyl Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide and let dry before preparing the area and edge for closure and cut paste! For those that do not have an aversion to the four letter word " BOOK" Good discussions and information with respect to this question can be found in Bonsai Heresy by Michael Hagedorn and Modern Bonsai Practice by Larry Morton.
Wound closure is important in Bonsai for three main reasons.
Prevent Dieback
Prevent disease entry
Aesthetic result, smooth closure.
I think Michael Hagedorn makes the most important distinction in the discussion when he points out that timing is critical if one hopes for better results!
Simply put take the time to disinfect and seal when the wound is fresh and the live edge has been just prepared. Allow the disinfectant to dry first, then prepare the live edge and seal.
I believe the hormones added to sealants can be a benefit particularly for those species that are slower to heal. Some species heal fast without much help and it is questionable how much benefit will be gained by hormones added to cut paste or liquid sealants.

Good write up Frank. Can I ask what sealants you use? Thanks August

 

[River's Edge]

Good write up Frank. Can I ask what sealants you use? Thanks August

Small number actually, The basic grey Japanese cut paste, two brands depending on availability, the green liquid sealant, and the orange/yellow sealant. The particular brands are identified in the picture below. They are all available through a variety of online sources. For your location I would check out Jonas Dupuich;s website. I also find they Arte typically available through a variety of vendors at Bonsai Shows.
The green liquid sealant is the one where it is very important when applying to a finish cut that it be thinly applied. Not as important when used to seal a stub as the first step towards finishing a cut.
Effectiveness of any of the products is dependant on correct timing and application details. in particular sealing the live edge carefully and preventing the accumulation of moisture or desiccation on the site.

 

[Shibui]

I don't use lime sulphur on fresh cuts but do use it on older dried cuts that still haven't healed after a few years and where the exposed heartwood is at risk of decay. New wood can't grow over decaying old wood so the aim is to extend the time the exposed heartwood will stay solid.