The propagation methods of Michelia
The editor answers related questions about the propagation of Michelia flowers for netizens. Here are the propagation methods of Michelia flowers that the editor will introduce.
Michelia can be propagated by four methods: cutting, layering, grafting, and seeding. Here is an introduction to each propagation method:
(1) Cutting method: This method can propagate a large number of plants in a short period, but the growth is slower than that of grafted seedlings. The best time for cutting is in spring and summer. Spring cuttings should be done in late March, selecting 1-2-year-old branches, 10-15 cm long, removing the lower leaves, and inserting them into a seedbed with a mixture of loess and river sand (6:4) as the matrix. After insertion, shading (with a light transmission rate of about 30%) is required, and the bed surface should be kept moist. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted to pots. Summer cuttings should be done with the current year's semi-woody branches, about 8 cm long, using the same method as spring cuttings. It is important to note that high summer temperatures and high humidity can create conditions for various diseases. Therefore, the cutting matrix must be disinfected. Moreover, if the base of the cutting is soaked in 200ppm of indole butyric acid for 15 minutes, then dried before insertion, it can accelerate root development and increase survival rates.
(2) Layering method: Layering and cutting are based on the same principle, both utilizing the ability of branches to grow adventitious roots. Cutting is done after detaching from the mother plant, although it can propagate a large quantity, the reliability of survival is less than layering, and usually 2-3 plants are enough for home propagation, so the layering method is most suitable for home use. Layering can be done at any time during the growing period of Michelia, but April is the most suitable time. Select 2-year-old branches that are appropriate in size, well-developed, and robust, 15-20 cm long, make a ring-shaped cut 0.5-1 cm wide at the selected soil-rooting site, deep to the xylem, and apply a concentration of about 40ppm of naphthalene acetic acid. Then, place a plastic bag of appropriate size over the ring and secure the bottom, fill the bag with moss and cultivation soil or well-watered vermiculite, leaving a hole at the top for watering and ventilation. During maintenance, water the bag frequently to ensure a certain level of humidity (but not too dry or waterlogged). After about two months, roots will grow. Once the new roots are fully developed, the young plant can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to a pot. After potting, place the plant in a semi-shaded area for two weeks without fertilizing, then gradually increase sunlight exposure. Afterward, gradually manage water and fertilizer like the mother plant.
(3) Grafting method: Grafting propagation is often done using Magnolia soulangeana or Magnolia amoena as rootstocks for branch grafting, which is also easy to survive. The best time for spring grafting is from late March to early April, before Michelia sprouts. For autumn grafting, it should be done from late September to early October. Autumn grafted seedlings require more intensive care, while spring grafted seedlings are easier to manage, with a general survival rate of 85%. The cutting method is generally used, selecting healthy one-year-old branches from the upper part of the mother tree, 1-2 nodes long, without leaves, following the general cutting procedure. After cutting, to prevent moisture from entering the wound, cover with straw, leaving the top shoot exposed. After about 25 days, the scion will heal and start to germinate, at which time the covering straw should be removed, and the suckers on the rootstock should be promptly removed.
(4) Seeding method: This method is suitable for mass propagation but has a later blooming period and smaller flowers. Seeds can be sown immediately after collection or stored in sand until late February to early March of the following year. The seedbed should use well-drained sandy loam soil. For a small number of seeds, they can be sown directly in a flowerpot. After sowing, cover with charcoal soil and place in a shaded area, and seedlings will emerge after about one month. Manage the seedlings as usual after they emerge. Transplant the seedlings with soil the following spring.
The above is[] about the propagation methods of Michelia, hoping to bring help to your life!