Money Tree branch cutting propagation, Money Tree pruning propagation skills
Can the branches cut from the Fortune Tree beRevived?In the maintenance of indoor green plants, the Fortune Tree is deeply loved for its auspicious meaning and beautiful shape. Many plant enthusiasts wonder when pruning the Fortune Tree: Can these cut branches survive a second time? Through scientific cutting methods, it is entirely possible to give new life to discarded branches. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the complete process and key techniques for cutting and propagating branches of the Fortune Tree.Feasibility Analysis of Propagating the Fortune TreePlant Regeneration CharacteristicsThe Fortune Tree is a typical tropical ornamental leaf plant, with its stem containing a rich amount of auxins and cytokinins. Under suitable conditions, the base of the branches can quickly differentiate into callus tissue. Experimental data show that branches with a diameter of over 1 cm and semi-lignified can achieve a survival rate of over 85%.Seasonal Advantage VerificationCombining research data from the South China Botanical Garden, when the temperature is stable between 25-32°C from June to August, the activity of branch cells increases by 40%, and the rooting speed during this period is 2-3 weeks faster than in spring and autumn.Complete Process of Pruning and Propagating Fortune Tree BranchesOptimal Propagation Material SelectionChoose branches 10 cm long with 2-3 bud points, retaining the top pair of pinnate compound leaves (keeping the leaf area within 15 cm²) to perform photosynthesis while avoiding excessive transpiration. Note that the cut should be a 45-degree oblique plane to increase the water absorption area.Scientific Substrate FormulaIt is recommended to use a mixed substrate of peat soil: perlite: vermiculite = 3:1:1, with a pH value controlled between 5.5-6.5. Place a 2 cm thick layer of ceramic stones at the bottom of the pot for drainage, a layer of sterilized river sand in the middle, and fill the upper part with cultivation soil to 2/3 of the pot.Standard Cutting OperationSoak the branches in a carbendazim solution for 15 minutes and then dry them before inserting them into the substrate to a depth of 1/3 of the branch length (about 3-5 cm). Use the immersion pot method to add water to achieve 60% moisture content in the substrate and cover with a transparent plastic bag to maintain an 85% humidity environment.Key Points for Post-Propagation CareEnvironmental ControlPlace in an area with sufficient scattered light, maintaining a temperature difference of 28°C during the day and 22°C at night. Ventilate for 1 hour every 3 days and gradually remove the moisture-retaining cover after new buds emerge.Root Promotion TechniquesWater with a diluted 2000-fold solution of indole butyric acid every 10 days, combined with foliar application of 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, which can promote a 30% increase in root thickness.Solutions to Common ProblemsIf the base turns black, immediately cut off the rotting part and re-disinfect it; for withered leaves, increase air humidity but reduce the moisture content of the substrate; if no roots have formed after two months, consider changing the propagation medium.By systematically mastering the core technologies of timing selection, branch treatment, substrate proportioning, and maintenance management for propagating the Fortune Tree, even gardening beginners can successfully propagate branches. It is recommended to prune and propagate backups annually to shape a beautiful plant and obtain more healthy plants.