Can Wusimei be propagated by cuttings?
The editor answers whether Wusimei can be propagated by cuttings and other contents about the propagation methods and cultivation techniques of green plants and flowers, let's understand together.
The shape of Wusimei flowers resembles a hydrangea, and it is called "Wusimei绣球" in our Lingshan, Guangxi, belonging to evergreen broad-leaved semi-vineous shrubs. By caring for its light-loving and dry-tolerant growth habits, it can be admired for its beautiful blooming flowers throughout the year, becoming an indispensable plant for balconies and courtyards. In order to enhance the ornamental effect, we have always hoped to increase the number of plants through propagation, but it is difficult to collect seeds after fruiting. After careful consideration, we decided to propagate through cutting branches.
I particularly enjoy growing flowers and most of my monthly salary is spent on buying potted plants, often causing disputes with my family. To find a low-cost way to enjoy growing flowers without affecting family relationships is to increase the number of plants through propagation methods. Based on numerous cutting experiences, improper cutting operations can easily cause root rot, leading to propagation failure. Below, I analyze 6 steps that are prone to errors, learning which can improve the survival rate of propagation and prevent root rot from occurring.
Summary of the Wusimei cutting propagation steps?
Wusimei cutting propagation, also known as "stem cutting propagation," is an asexual propagation method that utilizes the strong regenerative ability of Wusimei branches for cutting. By providing suitable temperature, high-quality soil, and proper post-planting care and transplantation, strong and root-independent cutting seedlings can be harvested. This is a summary of the Wusimei cutting propagation steps, which is also the definition of cutting propagation.
How many propagation methods does Wusimei have in total?
Based on my experience in cultivating Wusimei, when the plant's flowers enter the fruiting stage, small and round fruits appear, initially green and hard, and later purple and soft, making it difficult to collect seeds for preservation. Generally, propagation can only be achieved through cutting branches.
Practice experience shows that 6 operational errors can easily lead to root rot in Wusimei branches, thus reducing the survival rate of propagation?
Error 1: Low temperature frost damage: Wusimei is native to the tropical regions of America, where the climate is warm and comfortable, forming a warm-loving and cold-avoiding growth habit over time. The optimal growth temperature is between 18-32 degrees Celsius. If choosing to propagate by cuttings in spring, the branches can easily be damaged by "late spring frost." If choosing to propagate in winter, the branches can easily be damaged by cold air. If choosing to propagate in autumn, the branches can easily lose moisture.
For the temperature of Wusimei cuttings, I suggest maintaining around 22 degrees Celsius before root formation to promote root and leaf growth and avoid root rot during the cutting process. Which season has suitable temperatures? Spring, autumn, and winter have been ruled out, leaving only summer for propagation. This is because the temperature and light intensity are lower in early summer, avoiding root damage from high temperatures. (Note: Early summer often has frequent rainfall, which can easily cause bacterial growth, so it is recommended to choose a sunny day for propagation)
Error 2: Stiff branches: Wusimei is a semi-vineous shrub with fine and numerous branches. If剪取徒长枝、老硬枝、病害枝 as cuttings, it will not bring strong regenerative ability, leading to difficulty and slow root growth, and in severe cases, root rot.
For Wusimei cuttings, I suggest using soft branches with active cells for cutting, which can stimulate new root growth and improve the survival rate of propagation. What are soft branches? They refer to the semi-lignified branches at the top of the plant. How to prune branches? It is recommended to control the length to about 9 centimeters, as longer branches can easily分散营养; leaves should only retain the top small leaves, and half of the large leaves need to be cut off; finally, the base of the branch should be trimmed diagonally, and cut immediately to avoid moisture loss.
Can Wusimei be propagated by cuttings?
Error 3: Soil compaction: Wusimei has strong adaptability and does not require high soil quality, as long as it meets the standards of pH less than 7 and good ventilation and drainage. If using alkaline soil with a pH greater than 7 for cutting, it will hinder the normal respiration of the branch roots, leading to slow root growth and severe root rot.
For Wusimei cuttings, I suggest using common river sand, which can improve the breathing ability of the branches and promote root and leaf growth. If conditions allow, using slightly acidic, breathable, and moisturizing vermiculite for cutting can improve the overall root survival rate. How to handle the soil before use? First, it needs to be placed in the sun for 48 hours to disinfect. Then, before inserting the branches, soak them in clean water to make them fully wet. By following these two steps, it can not only prevent bacterial infection of the branch roots but also maintain the humidity of the soil environment.
Error 4: Accumulation of water in the pot: We generally choose to propagate indoors using pots filled with soil. If choosing a pot with dense material and fewer than 3 drainage holes, it will hinder the respiration of the branch roots, and the water cannot be drained in time, leading to root rot over time and reducing the survival rate of cutting propagation.
For Wusimei cuttings, I suggest using a common seedling tray, which can not only promote branch respiration but also prevent excessive water retention at the roots. How to disinfect the pot before soil is filled? Use 800 ml of clean water mixed with 1 ml of Baijunling to spray, and wait for the odor to disperse before filling the soil for cutting, which can prevent bacterial infection of the branch roots.
Error 5: Improper care: The length of the Wusimei branch inserted into the soil should be 1/3 of the total length of the branch. Inserting too deep can hinder root respiration. If no root-promoting care management is carried out after the branches are inserted into the soil, it can easily lead to withered branches and root rot, ultimately resulting in propagation failure.
For Wusimei cuttings, I suggest performing post-cutting care management to promote root growth and improve the survival rate of propagation. How to care after cutting? First, place in a shady and well-ventilated area for care, and gradually move to a soft light area for seedling training after the branches have rooted. Secondly, the soil before planting has been soaked wet, and no watering is needed after planting, only watering when the soil is dry, and usually increasing the humidity of the environment through air spraying.