The happiness tree is a common foliage plant with unique and beautiful leaves, making it highly ornamental. During its care, if we can master the technique of cuttings, we can encourage it to grow more lush and beautiful.
I. Tools Preparation: scissors, watering can, fertilizer, plaster powder
Before taking cuttings, prepare the necessary tools. Scissors should be sharp to trim excess leaves and branches. A watering can is for irrigation; fertilizer provides nutrients after planting, and plaster powder helps prevent wound infection.
II. Choose a Good Cutting Position
Select a lateral branch on the main trunk. New or semi-lignified branches are ideal as they are in a vigorous growth state and more likely to root successfully.
III. Make a Flat Cut
After cutting the branch, ensure the cut is flat and free of protruding wood or debris to minimize the risk of damage at the cutting site.
IV. Water After Planting
Once the cutting is in the soil, water it thoroughly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
V. Reduce Light and Temperature
After planting, reduce light exposure and temperature. Avoid direct sunlight and high heat to decrease water loss from the plant, which helps the cutting succeed.
VI. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Provide adequate ventilation to maintain air circulation. This helps prevent pest and disease infestation and promotes healthy growth.
VII. Avoid Excessive Fertilization
Do not over-fertilize after planting, as this can lead to excessive root growth and upset the plant's balance.
VIII. Monitor the Cutting
Regularly observe the plant's growth. If branches become dry and brittle, the cutting has likely failed and needs to be redone.
IX. Create a Suitable Environment
Provide the happiness tree with a suitable growing environment. Maintaining appropriate temperature, humidity, and light is crucial for the cutting's growth and survival.
X. Manage Pests and Diseases
Promptly identify and address any pests or diseases during the propagation process. Take immediate action to prevent them from affecting the cutting's survival rate.
XI. Timing for Transplanting
Propagation is best done in spring. Transplant only after the cutting has successfully rooted to ensure the plant establishes itself firmly.
XII. Maintain Loose Soil
Keep the soil loose and well-aerated after planting to allow the plant to grow more easily.
XIII. Remove Withered Leaves Promptly
As the happiness tree grows, it will produce withered leaves that should be pruned promptly to avoid hindering healthy growth.
XIV. Water Moderately
Water in moderation, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, to prevent root rot.
XV. Be Patient
After planting, be patient and avoid rushing to transplant or perform other operations. This allows the plant to establish itself more stably.
Successfully propagating a happiness tree requires mastering several techniques, such as selecting the right cutting position, making a flat cut, watering moderately, and ensuring proper ventilation. Only by fully understanding and applying these techniques can we help the happiness tree grow more lush and beautiful.