I am happy to share these pictures of saplings grown from cuttings taken from our MV Bodhi tree on 27 Sep 2011 after our tree was uprooted during a thunderstorm the night before . Like many, I was saddened by what happened to our Bodhi tree. I asked Ven Cittara for permission to take home some cuttings when the contractor were sawing the branches. I took home 5 pcs. Not sure if I would succeed, I planted all 5 in one flower pot of potting soil after applying rooting powder on the cuttings. Thereafter I watered them diligently daily and was very happy to see buds sprouting after 1 week, followed by leaves a few weeks later. Though the saplings have healthy young leaves I was not sure if roots had grow. As the pot was getting crowded, I decided to transplant them to bigger pots on 12 Nov 2011.
saplings on 5 Nov 2011
I was delighted to see an abundance of roots on 4 of the 5 cuttings with leaves -80% success! The 5th cutting has some short roots which I hope will continue to grow now that it has more room. I will continue to take care of these saplings and when they are stronger, I will bring them to MV.
transplanted saplings on 12 Nov 2011
Ellen, you sure have green fingers and you have put them into good use. Congratulations for your success in cultivating the saplings. You have created a lineage for MVBT Bodhi Tree. May merits accrued to you. We shall continue to cherish It. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
Thanks Chin. I was trying to do something to preserve the tree for posterity. At that time, I didn’t know if the old stump will be re-planted or if it will grow. So I applied whatever little gardening knowledge I have and hope for the best.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!