The difference between layering and cuttage
In the field of plant reproduction, layering and cuttage have attracted much attention as two major asexual reproduction techniques. Both methods use plant branches for propagation, but there are significant differences in the specific operating procedures and application scenarios. Understanding the differences between the two can not only help horticulture enthusiasts choose the right breeding method, but also effectively improve the survival rate of plants. Essential differences in branch selection, layering, branch selection, standard layering reproduction, branches with strong flexibility and standard length are preferred, and the branches are required to naturally bend to the ground. Taking roses as an example, semi-lignified branches of the current year are usually selected, and the length needs to be more than 50cm to ensure that they can be buried in the substrate to form new root systems. Cutting branches require cutting branches to focus on lignification, and strong 1-2-year-old branches are often selected. Taking gardenia as an example, keep the top 2-3 intact leaves, and the lower leaves need to be completely removed to reduce transpiration. The incision should be angled at a 45° angle to increase the area of callus formation. Technical differences in operating procedures, layering implementation steps, layering adopts the "rooting first and then separating" model: a 15-cm-deep trench is dug next to the mother plant, and the ringed branches are U-shaped and covered with soil. Keep the substrate humidity at 60%-70%, and separate after 2-3 months to form complete roots. Lianas such as grapes are particularly suitable for high-altitude layering. Cuttage operation points Follow the principle of "isolation first and rooting later": Cut 10-15cm cuttings with buds, treat them with rooting powder, and insert them into a substrate with perlite: vermiculite =3:1. Maintaining the daytime temperature at 25-28 ° C and combining with the intermittent spray system can increase the survival rate to more than 80%. Compared with the layering method, the technical application scenario is more suitable for woody plants such as osmanthus and camellia, because they can continuously obtain nutrients from the mother plant. Cutting rules apply to herbaceous plants such as mint, geranium, and some fast-growing trees. For precious varieties, the success rate of layering is about 30% higher than that of cuttage.
After mastering the core differences between the two technologies, growers can flexibly choose based on plant characteristics. The layering method is better than being safe, and the cuttage method is more efficient. It is recommended that novices start practicing from plants that are easy to root, such as green radish and ivy, and gradually master key technical points such as girdling treatment and substrate ratio.