How to propagate Platycodon grandiflorus through cutting
Answering netizens' questions on how to propagate Platycodon grandiflorus through cutting and providing detailed knowledge on the propagation methods of Platycodon grandiflorus cutting, here is a comprehensive introduction.
Platycodon grandiflorus is very popular in China, and therefore, its cultivation area is also very large. When growing Platycodon grandiflorus, propagation work is essential. Apart from seed propagation, Platycodon grandiflorus can also be propagated through cutting. However, many people have a low survival rate due to incorrect cutting methods. So how exactly should Platycodon grandiflorus be propagated through cutting? Today, the editor has brought you the cutting method of Platycodon grandiflorus, let's take a look!
1. Selection of cuttings
Before propagating Platycodon grandiflorus through cutting, the first step is to select good cuttings. Cuttings should be chosen from branches with strong vegetative ability on the Platycodon grandiflorus plant, preferably from the stem below the heart leaves after the plant has jointed. The branches should be free from wounds, diseases, and pests, and should be strong and healthy. Do not choose overly tender stems as they are not fully mature and require a lot of nutrients for growth, which can increase the cost of cultivation and result in a low survival rate. Therefore, the selection of cuttings is very important. Ideally, there should only be two leaves on the cuttings, which can increase the survival rate.
2. Treatment of cuttings
After selecting the cuttings, they should be cut diagonally into small sections. Each section should retain a pair of leaves, and the diagonal cut is mainly to increase the area of meristem at the cutting site. Then, cut about 1/2 of the leaves on each section to avoid excessive nutrient consumption. Since there are no roots at the initial stage of cutting, there is no nutrition available. The growth nutrients are stored in the cuttings, so cutting off 1/2 of the leaves can reduce nutrient consumption and increase the rooting rate. However, be careful not to remove all the leaves, as the cutting will not be able to photosynthesize and lack nutrients, leading to propagation failure.
3. Preparation of substrate
The substrate for Platycodon grandiflorus is also very important, as it directly determines the survival rate of the cuttings. The cutting substrate should be kept in a slightly alkaline state with a pH value around 6. Materials such as peat and vermiculite can be used for preparation, and some carbendazim can be added for disinfection to prevent the transmission of pathogens and affect the normal growth of the cuttings. Before cutting, make sure to water the substrate appropriately to keep it moist, which is also more conducive to root formation.
4. Cutting method
Before cutting, make several small holes in the cutting substrate, then insert the cuttings, and compact the substrate and water. Also, cover with a film and make several small holes in the film to ensure its permeability. If it is a potted plant, then after cutting, place it in a bright and low-temperature area. In winter and spring, there is no need for shading. After about ten days, the film can be removed, and after about one month, the roots will form. When the new buds on the upper part of the plant grow the fourth leaf, they can be transplanted and maintained normally.
The above is a comprehensive explanation of how to propagate Platycodon grandiflorus through cutting and the detailed propagation methods. I hope this can serve as a starting point to solve your problems with green plants.