How to propagate camellias through cutting
As one of the top ten famous traditional Chinese flowers, camellias are deeply loved by horticulture enthusiasts for their beautiful blooms. Mastering the correct cutting technique is key to propagating high-quality camellias, where timing is crucial to survival rates. This article will systematically analyze the entire process of camellia cutting, helping you easily cultivate new plants.
1. Choosing the Right Time for Camellia Cutting
The best cutting period is from May to June during the plum rain season and from September to October during the autumnal equinox, when the temperature is stable at 20-25°C and the humidity is over 70%. Experimental data shows that cuttings during this period root twice as fast as in winter, with a 40% higher survival rate. In southern regions, the period can be extended to early November, while in the north, it is recommended to finish by mid-September.
2. Standards for Selecting High-Quality Cuttings
Choose semi-lignified branches from the current year, about 0.5 cm in diameter and yellow-green in color. Use a 45-degree oblique cut method to treat the base, retaining the top 2-3 leaves and cutting off 1/3 of the leaf area. Soaking the branches in a 1000ppm indolebutyric acid solution for 30 minutes can increase the rooting rate by 35%.
3. Professional Cutting Substrate Configuration
It is recommended to use a mixed substrate of peat soil: perlite: vermiculite in a ratio of 3:1:1, with a pH value controlled between 5.5-6.5. Use a 15cm diameter controlled-root seedling pot, with a 3cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom for drainage. The substrate should be disinfected with a potassium permanganate solution to prevent fungal infections.
4. Scientific Cutting Operation Process
Use the deep insertion and shallow burial method: pre-poke a 5cm deep hole with a bamboo skewer, insert the cutting, and then fill back 1cm of substrate. Maintain a spacing of 8-10cm between plants, with 80-100 cuttings per square meter. After insertion, immediately water thoroughly with water that can be added with carbendazim 800x solution to prevent diseases.
5. Intelligent Maintenance Management Solution
Set up an automatic misting system to maintain an air humidity of over 85%, and use double-layer shade nets to control light intensity at 5000-8000Lux. Spray a 1000x solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate every 7 days, and gradually increase direct sunlight after 45 days. When the roots develop to 5cm, they can be transplanted.
By precisely controlling temperature and humidity and managing scientifically, the survival rate of camellia cuttings can reach over 90%. It is recommended to use a combination of slow-release fertilizer and humic acid after rooting for nutritional supplementation, and you can enjoy the beautiful blooms of new plants in the following spring. Regularly observe the plant's condition and promptly prevent and treat common pests and diseases such as red spiders.