How to propagate Podocarpus macrophyllus
Do you know this? Learn about the propagation of Podocarpus macrophyllus and the detailed explanation of the five main propagation methods for green plant maintenance. Let's take a look together! Podocarpus macrophyllus has an elegant shape, a graceful appearance, and stays green throughout the year, making it one of the preferred potted plants for many families. Placed at home, it has a high ornamental value and resembles a luohan (Buddhist monk), which can bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Isn't it quite appealing? If you, as a beginner, also want to have a pot of Podocarpus macrophyllus, you might as well try propagating it yourself. So, you must be wondering how to propagate Podocarpus macrophyllus. Now, I'll tell you the answer.
【Podocarpus Propagation Methods】
<1. Softwood Cutting>
Softwood cutting is a propagation method that uses semi-mature branches from the current year as cuttings during the growing season of seedlings. It is generally done from May to July or August to September. From May to July, it is important to prevent high-temperature burns and disease occurrences. From August to September, focus on insulation and frost prevention.
<2. Hardwood Cutting>
Hardwood cutting is done during the dormant period of February to March when the sap has not yet started flowing, by taking one-year-old fully lignified robust branches for propagation. For hardwood cutting, you can apply some rooting powder to the cut surface and then insert it into the pot. Pay attention to increasing soil temperature and controlling the growth temperature.
<3. Cutting Propagation>
Cutting propagation is best done in spring and autumn. First, soak the lower 2/3 of the cutting in a properly prepared naphthyl acetic acid rooting solution, with a depth of 3-4 centimeters and a spacing of 3-5 centimeters. After that, fill the seedbed and water it to keep the soil moist and in close contact.
Podocarpus macrophyllus propagation
After the cutting is finished, spray with carbendazim for disinfection, using a slightly higher concentration, preferably until the leaves are white. Finally, insert a bamboo slice every 1.5 meters on both sides of the seedbed and cover it with plastic film to maintain moisture.
<4. Seed Propagation>
For Podocarpus macrophyllus seed propagation, the seeds chosen should be red-purple and the fleshly seed coat should be wrinkled and dry. You can also choose large, ripe seeds, which have a higher survival and germination rate.
Since Podocarpus macrophyllus is a plant where the cotyledons emerge from the soil, the hole depth only needs to be 2 centimeters, and 2 seeds can be sown per hole. After sowing, cover with 1-2 centimeters of fine soil, then gently press down. Finally, cover with straw and water every 3-5 days. It can germinate in about a month and a half.
<5. Layering Propagation>
Layering propagation can be done in spring, using slightly smaller branches and making a diagonal cut halfway through the branch with a knife. Then insert a one-inch-long bamboo slice into the cut and support the branch with a small stick next to it, tie it with a plastic bag, cover the cut with loose soil, press it down, and cover it with withered grass. After March, the cut on the branch can root.
<Conclusion>
The above (Green Plant Enthusiast Website) introduces how to propagate Podocarpus macrophyllus and detailed explanation of the five main propagation methods for Podocarpus macrophyllus, hoping to bring a little help to your life!