Recently, we came across a short video on Douyin (TikTok) that caught our attention. In it, a farmer used three standard nylon cable ties, a piece of banana, and a plastic cup to successfully “replicate” a fruit tree. We’ve discussed how cable ties can be used in gardening before, but this video showed a completely different approach that sparked new ideas. It made us wonder: how can such a small cable tie, in modern agriculture, break through traditional methods and become a key tool for innovative growing techniques?
1. How Cable Ties and Bananas Work Together to “Replicate” a Fruit Tree
The method shown in the video is surprisingly simple: take a piece of banana, cut it in half, and use cable ties to bind the two halves around a branch of the fruit tree.
Then, place a plastic cup over the branch and fill it with nutrient-rich soil, creating a miniature rooting environment.
After a few days, you can see new roots forming inside the cup.
Eventually, you can transplant the newly rooted branch into soil, successfully growing a new fruit tree.
This approach has been used with high-value crops like ginseng, achieving equally notable results. This method seamlessly combines grafting and rooting techniques by taking advantage of cable ties’ ability to secure and bind.
This application demonstrates the huge potential of cable ties in agriculture. Cable ties aren’t just for everyday cable management; their high strength and durability make them extremely useful for plant cultivation, especially in tasks such as grafting, stabilizing, and rooting. They play a vital role in pushing the boundaries of modern farming practices.
3. Advantages of Cable Ties
High Strength and Durability
Most cable ties are made from PA66 (Nylon 66), which offers outstanding tensile strength and wear resistance. They can handle a great deal of pulling force without breaking, even with long-term use. Whether you’re securing cables, pipes, or plant stems, cable ties provide reliable support and protection.
Heat and Weather Resistance
Cable ties can maintain stable performance in high temperatures and harsh weather conditions. For instance, when used to secure grafted parts on a plant, they can withstand strong sunlight and rain, ensuring the graft stays in place throughout the process.
Easy Installation and Use
Cable ties are simple in design. Just thread the tie through the self-locking head and pull tight—no special tools needed. This makes them convenient not only for gardening but also in electrical, cabling, and plumbing work. In agriculture, using cable ties to secure plants saves both time and labor.
Low Cost and Economic Feasibility
Compared to traditional clips or specialized tools, cable ties are very affordable yet offer comparable performance. This makes them ideal for large-scale agricultural production, as well as farming, gardening, and even home gardening projects.
4. Choosing the Right Cable Tie Sizes in Horticulture
Selecting cable ties with the right size and specifications is crucial for plant growth and stability. Depending on your needs, here are some key factors to consider:
Width and Length
The width and length of the cable ties should match the size of the plant and where it needs support. Larger or heavier plants—such as big potted plants or saplings—require wider ties (for example, 4.8 mm, 6.2 mm, or 7.6 mm) to provide stronger support. Smaller plants or seedlings can use narrower ties, such as 2.5 × 100.
Tensile Strength
The tensile strength of a cable tie directly affects its holding power, especially where higher tension is needed. Generally, wider ties have higher tensile strength and can secure heavier branches or larger plants. For lighter plants or thin branches, a slimmer tie with a moderate strength rating is enough. You can refer to the cable tie size charts for the exact tensile strength.
By choosing the right cable tie sizes, you ensure plants receive the proper support during growth, preventing issues caused by ties that are too tight or too loose. In horticulture, appropriate sizing not only improves stability but also helps avoid unnecessary harm to the plants.
5. Conclusion
From fruit tree grafting to ginseng cultivation, the use of cable ties goes far beyond what we might expect. Their high tensile strength, durability, and low cost allow them to excel in agriculture, horticulture, and countless everyday applications. As a professional cable tie manufacturer, we are dedicated to offering premium products and solutions. Whether in horticultural support or large-scale construction projects, cable ties demonstrate unmatched practicality and flexibility.
With ongoing innovation and development in agricultural technology, cable ties will continue to find broader applications, helping both commercial growers and gardening enthusiasts achieve more efficient management and healthier plant growth. If you have any questions regarding cable tie specifications or uses, feel free to reach out. We’re here to provide the most suitable solutions for your needs.
