How to improve the survival rate of cuttings?
Compared to the introductions on flower arrangement and art for most people, how to improve the survival rate of cuttings? Let's find out together with the editor!
(1) Choose good cuttings. The mother plant should have good quality, strong growth, and be free from diseases and pests. On the same plant, choose the sunny branches from the middle and upper parts of the current year, which should have short internodes, sturdy branches, and full buds. Avoid using branches that are about to bloom or those that have grown excessively. On the same branch, hardwood cuttings should use the middle and lower parts, while flowers like chrysanthemums should use the tender top parts.
(2) Use a suitable cutting medium for rooting. This medium should have characteristics such as easy to increase soil temperature, water retention, and good ventilation.
(3) Properly handle the cuttings. Treating with chemicals before cutting can promote rooting. Softwood cuttings are generally cut into segments 8 to 12 centimeters long, with 2 to 3 buds on top, and the lower cut should be 0.5 centimeters below the node. The cut should be smooth, remove the lower leaves, and retain only the top 2 to 3 leaves. The depth of insertion is generally 3 centimeters.
(4) Create a suitable environment for rooting. The optimal temperature for most flowers to root is between 20°C to 25°C, while tropical flowers require above 25°C to 30°C. Generally, a soil temperature 3°C to 5°C higher than the air temperature is beneficial for rooting. The relative humidity of the cutting bed should be between 80% to 90%, which is conducive to rooting. Softwood cuttings require about 30% light. The moisture should be moderate, slightly higher in the early stage and slightly drier in the later stage. Therefore, the suitable period for outdoor softwood cuttings in North China is from mid-to-late June to mid-August, which coincides with the rainy season in North China, providing the temperature and humidity conditions needed for the cuttings to root, which is beneficial for the survival rate of cuttings.
(5) Strengthen the management after cutting. Water after cutting, cover with plastic film, place in a shaded area to prevent direct sunlight; however, increasing light at night is beneficial for the survival of cuttings. Open the plastic film 1 to 2 times a day (if there are small holes in the film, it is not necessary to open it), to supplement the required oxygen and prevent the occurrence of pathogens. Frequently spray water to keep the cutting bed moderately moist, but avoid excessive watering, as too wet conditions can affect the healing and rooting of the cuttings; when the new roots of the cuttings grow to 2 to 3 centimeters, they can be transplanted to pots at the appropriate time.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of how to improve the survival rate of cuttings, hoping it can help you.