Budding

Budding is a plant propagation method where a bud (a small undeveloped shoot) is grafted onto another plant. It's like giving a plant a "baby" bud to grow into a new plant.

Step 1 - Wait for the right time. Budding is typically done during the growing season when the bark is easily separable from the plant's cambium layer (the growing part of the trunk).

Step 2 - Choose a healthy plant that will serve as the rootstock and another plant from which you want to take a bud, called the budwood. The rootstock should be compatible with the budwood.

Step 3 - Gather the tools you will need, such as a sharp and clean knife or budding tool, grafting tape or rubber bands, and pruning shears.

Step 4 - On the rootstock plant, perform a vertical cut in the bark. Then, make a horizontal cut across the top of the vertical cut, creating a T-shaped incision. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the wood.

Step 5 - Select a bud from the Budwood plant. The buds should be healthy, and plump, with little or no leaf tissue attached. Trim away any excess leaves or thorns.

Step 6 - Carefully lift the bark from the rootstock at the top of the vertical cut and gently insert the bud into the T-shaped incision, ensuring the bud fits snugly. The bud should be placed under the bark, but not deeper into the wood.

Step 7 - Wrap the graft union, where the bud meets the rootstock with grafting tape or rubber bands. This helps hold the bud in place and provides support.

Step 8 - Apply grafting wax to seal the exposed parts of the bud and prevent drying out or infections.

Step 9 - Keep the grafted plant in a suitable environment, typically with high humidity, and protect it from direct sunlight. Monitor the bud regularly for signs of growth and ensure the graft union remains intact.