The propagation method of Diyu
You may not be familiar with the knowledge of propagating Diyu flowers. Here is an introduction to the propagation methods of Diyu. Next, the editor will introduce them.
The propagation of Diyu is different from that of Lithops. Most Lithops propagation can only be done sexually, i.e., by sowing seeds, and the success rate of asexual propagation is very low. However, Diyu can be propagated both sexually and asexually, with both methods being feasible. Compared to sexual propagation, asexual propagation is safer, faster in seedling growth, and earlier in flowering. But it has slower and fewer tillers, and less繁殖 quantity, making it suitable for families or enthusiasts. Sowing seeds has a longer cycle but yields more seedlings at once, making it easy to form a large scale and suitable for commercial operators.
Asexual propagation is cutting propagation. The operation method is simple. For large Diyu plants over three years old, small seedlings will sprout from the roots. When the seedlings grow larger than peanuts, you can combine them with potting soil, take a section of hard root, cut off the seedlings, let the cut surface dry in the sun, and then plant them. The propagation medium can be fine sand or perlite. At temperatures between 15-25°C, it will take about 7-15 days to root, and then you can plant them with the method of planting large seedlings. During the rooting period, there is no need to shade, just keep the medium slightly moist and cover it with a lid for better results. The seeding propagation of Diyu is a bit more complicated. If the conditions are met, the germination rate is very high. Of course, due to different natural conditions and climate in different regions, these factors should also be considered when propagating by seeding.
Selection of seeding medium: Use a commercial flower potting soil, add one-third perlite and one-third fine sand, and disinfect at high temperatures. Fill this medium in the lower part of the flowerpot up to 2 cm from the rim, cover the surface with a thin layer of fine soil, press it down, place the pot in water to absorb enough water until the surface is wet, then take it out and drain off excess water. Sprinkle the seeds evenly or plant them with a pointed forceps. After that, cover the mouth of the pot with glass and place it in a warm place without direct sunlight. Control of moisture in the seeding medium: Seeding experiments have found that the best germination stage for Diyu seeds is when the medium contains about 30% water. If the medium is too wet or too dry, the seeds will not germinate. To determine the moisture content in the medium, we use the method of weighing the pot. That is, multiply the total weight of the original pot soil by 0.25, and the moisture content of the medium is about 30%. The moisture content of fully water-absorbed medium is 70%, so it needs to be dried for a few days to reach the播种 requirement. The moisture content can be slightly higher when the seeds are first sown, then reduce it to 30% after two to three days and maintain it for four to five days, by which time some seeds have already germinated. If the medium is too dry during seed germination, measures such as spraying can be taken to provide the best humidity for seed germination to ensure a higher germination rate. However, spraying water will delay seed germination.
Temperature control during seeding: Diyu seeds are large among Mesembryanthemum plants. Magnified observation shows that the surface is rough and absorbs water easily. After sowing, the temperature should be increased appropriately to ensure that the seeds absorb enough water for successful germination. One week after sowing, the temperature should be controlled between 15-30°C, and after one week, between 15-25°C. If the temperature rises in the afternoon and the pot is covered with glass, the surface temperature of the medium may be very high, causing the seeds to be scorched. This may happen occasionally, but if it happens consecutively, the seeds will not germinate. Even if the seeds have already germinated, they will turn yellow and the seedlings will not grow well or be weak. Temperature control usually involves methods such as ventilating the large environment and opening the glass to ventilate the small environment, as well as considering shading factors. It is easier to increase the temperature than to decrease it in low-temperature conditions. Foreign literature indicates that Pleiospilos plants can tolerate frequent and moderate frosts (-8°C), with the maximum cold tolerance being -12°C, but we have not experimented with this.
Seeding operation: The diameter of Diyu seeds is between 0.5-1 mm, which is convenient for seeding. The color of the seeds is dark brown, with fresh seeds being bright and old seeds being darker. Fresh seeds, as long as they have passed the post-ripening period, are not difficult to germinate. Seeds stored for a long time may have a low germination rate, and seeds imported from abroad often have a low germination rate.
Seeds should be treated before sowing. Common methods include:
(1) Soaking seeds in potassium permanganate solution (deep pink liquid) for 15 minutes;
(2) Soaking seeds in 75% medical alcohol for 3 minutes. Seeds can be broadcast or sown individually. Before the seeds germinate, open the glass to ventilate and wipe the water droplets from the glass every day.
Management during germination: Fresh seeds can germinate within 7-15 days, and some can still germinate after 45 days. Management during this period mainly focuses on temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting. Here, lighting is emphasized. The delicate cotyledons that break through the seed coat cannot withstand strong light, especially in a small, high-humidity environment covered with glass. The seedlings can lose their green color in a very short time and then gradually die. Allowing the cotyledons to gradually see light will make them strong, and gradually increasing light will enhance their stress resistance. Even if the cotyledons are sunburned to a deep water red color, they can recover after a few days of shading, and such seedlings grow sturdy without becoming tall and thin, laying a good foundation for the growth of true leaves.
Transplanting seedlings: We call the seedlings that have germinated and are developing true leaves as seedlings, and those from the first true leaf to the second true leaf as small seedlings. The seedling stage of Diyu is about 45 days, and the small seedling stage is also about 45 days, totaling more than three months. Generally, after most seeds have germinated, you can transplant the seedlings. Use a pointed forceps to carefully pick out the seedlings, trying not to damage the roots. When several seedlings are together, be careful to separate each one and, in the shortest time, avoid dry heat and strong sunlight, and plant them in prepared small pots. After planting, quickly sit the pot in water and place it in an environment similar to that for seed germination.
Caring for small seedlings: The overall care for Diyu small seedlings is similar to that for the germination period and seedling management, except for reducing the moisture content in the medium. In the first few days after transplanting, keep the medium moist, and after a week, gradually form a slightly dry and slightly wet medium while also increasing light exposure to exercise the seedlings and enhance their stress resistance, laying a good foundation for their future growth. After half a month of transplanting, you can spray a dilute liquid fertilizer and fungicide on a sunny morning after sunrise or in the late afternoon before sunset, but do not make the medium too wet.
Here is a method for accelerating seed germination. Some varieties with larger seed particles can use this method. The specific steps are as follows:
(1) Disinfect the seeds. The method is the same as described above.
(2) Select a cultivation tray with a depth of 3-5 cm and scald it with boiling water.
(3) Place 5-7 layers of new, good-quality paper towels in the tray and 1-2 layers of qualitative filter paper on top.
(4) Drop distilled water (can be replaced with cool water or purified water) into the tray until the paper is wet, then sprinkle the treated seeds.
(5) Cover with washed glass and place it in a bright area without direct sunlight, maintaining a temperature of 15-28°C.
(6) Open the glass and dry for 20-30 minutes every day. If the moisture is low, supplement with distilled water using a rubber bulb dropper.
(7) After 7-10 days, when the cotyledons break through the seed coat, use a pointed forceps to carefully move the germinated seeds to the prepared medium.
(8) The subsequent operation is the same as for transplanting small seedlings. Care and management of mature seedlings: Diyu is considered a mature seedling when it has a second set of true leaves and can take up to three to four years until flowering. During this period, the care and management are much easier than in the seedling stage. After a period of care, the small seedlings have developed a certain adaptability. After the second set of true leaves appear, you can transplant again with a distance of 3 cm between seedlings. The key at this stage is to prepare a good cultivation medium. We commonly use the following mixture: 60% flower potting soil, 10% river sand, 20% charred soil (can be replaced with crushed honeycomb coal ash), and 10% perlite or vermiculite. Mix these materials evenly, add a small amount of decomposed organic fertilizer, plant in pots, water thoroughly, and when the surface is slightly dry, cover with sand gravel, and you can proceed with normal care.
Grasp the season for transplanting. In spring, when it is not freezing outside, and in mid-September in autumn are good times for transplanting, as the relatively low temperature facilitates seedling establishment. Transplanting in early autumn, when Diyu starts to grow vigorously, has the best results.
This article shares the propagation methods of Diyu as a reference suggestion for everyone.