Can薄荷 be propagated by cuttings?
This article discusses whether薄荷 can be propagated by cuttings and provides an introduction to the propagation methods of薄荷, with the editor ready to present the details.
薄荷 is a plant of the Mentha genus in the Lamiaceae family, one of the most famous plants in China, and also one of the most common medicinal herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.薄荷 has a high medicinal value, being capable of treating diseases such as influenza, headaches, red eyes, and swollen gums.薄荷 can be propagated using cuttings, and the survival rate is very high. This includes soil and water propagation methods. The following sections will introduce the specific methods.
I. Water Propagation
1. Cutting Preparation
Choose a section of a healthy, robust branch of appropriate thickness as the cutting. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only four, and the top leaves can be left or cut.
2. Medium Preparation
Prepare a container of suitable size with an appropriate depth and diameter, and fill it with an adequate amount of water, with the water level at about one-third or two-thirds the length of the cutting. Tap water can be used, but it should be left to sit for one day to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
3. Propagation
Insert the cutting directly into the water. After waiting for about a week, the cutting will root without requiring special care.
II. Soil Propagation
1. Cutting Preparation
Use a sterilized and sharp knife to cut a 5-8 cm long section from a healthy, disease-free branch to use as the cutting. The base of the cutting should be cut diagonally and the cut should be smooth; remove all the leaves from the bottom of the cutting.
2. Potting Soil Preparation
Prepare a pot with the right size, depth, and diameter with small holes, and fill it with loose and fertile soil that has good drainage and aeration. Also, prepare a deep saucer filled with water. Note that the soil can be mixed using different substrates like perlite and peat in appropriate proportions.
3. Propagation Process
Insert the prepared cutting directly into the soil and place the pot in the saucer filled with water, allowing the薄荷 to absorb moisture from the pot. Keep the potted plant in a shaded area away from direct sunlight, and after 3-4 days when new roots have grown, place it outside in the sunlight. After about 20 days, many roots will have formed, and the plant can then be transplanted into a pot for normal cultivation.
4. Post-Propagation Care
薄荷 enjoys sunlight and moisture. In the later stages of care, provide ample light and water, and place the plant in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight and excessive watering, as this can cause the plant to wither or even die.
This article shares the experience of whether薄荷 can be propagated by cuttings and provides detailed methods for propagating薄荷. It is hoped that this will be helpful to you in your daily life!