---
title: "Is this shoot bonsaiable? Just chop and prop? Any suggestions?"
description: "Is this shoot bonsaiable? Just chop and prop? Any suggestions?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/hB0M8pmURCqUK7zhKpIOTw/sByBNBRZ74WmpeZYC0Jp70"
community: "Bonsai Matters"
author: "Mikel’s Plant Posse"
published: "2026-05-18T20:26:34.580015Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/p2JoTxsYMMu1I_M_-FU0kq3BTMZh6orYbGC2TXeoBEc/Cb6dn22TSyet_gilywpArQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# Is this shoot bonsaiable? Just chop and prop? Any suggestions?

_Posted by Mikel’s Plant Posse on 2026-05-18_

Is this shoot bonsaiable? Just chop and prop? Any suggestions?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/p2JoTxsYMMu1I_M_-FU0kq3BTMZh6orYbGC2TXeoBEc/Cb6dn22TSyet_gilywpArQ.webp?size=large)

## 2 comments

### Waspinator commented on 2026-05-19

It's absolutely bonsai-able. Sycamore can do cuttings easily, but they're usually cut off the main tree during winter dormancy for best results. Also sycamore self-seeds really well, so in fall you can pick up seeds to start or you can dig young sprouts from the ground in spring (just be careful not to damage their tap root. The earlier you dig, the less deep it'll be.) Having done cuttings from drastically less cutting-friendly trees (oak), I can tell you the one problem you want to avoid is root rot. As long as you prevent rot, it should work. The second problem is getting it through its first few winters; young trees are more vulnerable to that

#### Waspinator replied on 2026-05-19

And in terms of styling, sycamore has big leaves and leaves can only be dwarfed to about half their original size. To give it the proportions of a big tree in a bonsai, you'll want to make it a larger bonsai, like 20 inches tall or bigger.

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