How to propagate geranium cuttings
If you want to know how to propagate geranium cuttings and the methods and timing of geranium cutting propagation in the field of green plants and flowers, these are very useful tips worth collecting!
Spring is the best time for propagation, as long as the temperature does not drop below 10 degrees Celsius, most flowers can be propagated through cuttings. Generally speaking, the higher the temperature, the higher the survival rate of cuttings. Therefore, flower enthusiasts often wait for the temperature to stabilize at 15 degrees or even 20 degrees Celsius before propagating on a large scale. However, there is one plant that benefits from earlier propagation, as delaying it makes it harder to survive the summer, and that is the geranium!
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The best time for geranium cuttings is autumn, but it can also be done in spring, or even in winter if the temperature is sufficient. However, earlier propagation is better. It's generally not recommended to propagate after May, as the young seedlings may survive but will have a hard time surviving the summer. Of course, if you have a cool environment in the summer, that's a different story.
How to correctly propagate geranium cuttings?
1. Choose the right time: March in spring and October in autumn are the best times for propagation. It's best to maintain a temperature of 10-20 degrees Celsius from the start of propagation until the cuttings take root and sprout. High temperatures can lead to a higher failure rate.
2. Medium: A mix of 7 parts peat and 3 parts perlite, with the peat as fine as possible and mixed evenly, then moistened with water. The moisture level should be just right, not dripping when pinched, but not too dry either.
3. Propagation container: The container should be small rather than large. Large geraniums can use disposable plastic cups or yogurt containers with holes drilled in the bottom. If these are not available, the smallest flower pot can be used instead.
4. Cutting branches: Use healthy branches from the current year, cut diagonally at the bottom, and let the wound dry. Beginners should not use woody branches or cut branches without a top bud.
How to propagate geranium cuttings
5. Planting: First, make a hole in the propagation cup with a chopstick, but not all the way to the bottom, leaving 1-2 centimeters. Then insert the branch and gently press the soil down.
6. Maintenance: Place the propagation cup in a shaded and well-ventilated area for 3 days. Avoid watering and do not need to cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture. If the leaves look a bit droopy, you can spray some mist around them.
From the fourth day, water the medium based on its dryness, but do not water from the top. Soak the pot from the bottom until the surface of the soil is moist, then move it to a place with diffused light and good ventilation.
Note: Geranium cuttings should not be without light. Start with 3 days of shaded care, then gradually increase sunlight. When the medium is dry, soak the pot. It usually takes about 20 days for roots to form.