Methods of Propagation for the Fortune Tree
Introduction: Knowledge about the Fortune Tree, a woody flower plant, and its propagation methods. Let's learn about them together below.
The Fortune Tree is a small tree of the Bombacaceae family, Melastoma section, and is an indoor ornamental stem and leaf plant. It is usually processed into braids of three or five and has high ornamental value. As this tree is native to the south, it is less common in the north. Therefore, we have developed a sand culture method for young shoot cuttage, which has been successful in the northern region (Shandong). This method has the advantages of fast propagation speed, high survival rate, and saving time and labor. Here is the introduction:
1. Seedbed Preparation
Select a plot with deep, fertile soil, adjust the surface to 1 meter wide, and the length depends on the quantity. It is preferable to face south to north. Deeply turn the surface of the plot, remove the topsoil, compact it, and lay a 3 cm thick layer of gravel on the bottom. Then, cover it with a 10 to 15 cm thick layer of fresh river sand and slag. The moisture should be such that it can form a ball when held in hand and scatter when released. Spray the surface of the bed with 40% formaldehyde at 400 times the concentration, wetting to a depth of 3 to 5 cm, and cover with plastic film for 3 days for soil disinfection.
2. Collection of Cuttings
Select healthy, semi-woody branches of the current year's growth, cut them on a cloudy day or early morning without wind. Leave a length of 6 to 7 cm, with the lower cut斜面 located below a leaf or axillary bud. The cut should be smooth to facilitate the formation of healing tissue. Each cutting should have two palm leaves, taking care not to damage the leaves to aid photosynthesis.
3. Detailed Cuttage
The Fortune Tree is cuttaged from late June to early August. It should be done on a summer cloudy day or early morning. For cuttage, place half of the cutting in 25 PPM of ABT rooting hormone solution (I) and soak for 20 to 24 hours. After soaking, rinse clean with water. Use a small stick to make holes in the surface of the plot, then insert the cuttings into the holes, and compact them. Shorter cuttings can be inserted vertically, and longer ones diagonally. The depth of insertion should be such that they do not fall over, generally 3 to 5 cm. After insertion, water thoroughly, straighten any crooked cuttings, and cover with plastic sheeting.
4. Management of Seedlings
Aerate and change the air every 3 days after cuttage. During June to August, with high temperatures and rapid water evaporation, spray water in the morning and evening to maintain a temperature of 23 to 25 degrees Celsius and humidity at about 80% of the field water-holding capacity. To promote the lignification of seedlings, you can spray 0.2% phosphorus acid potassium before the end of August. To prevent fungal infection, spray methyl thiophanate or carbendazim on the plot every 7 days. Generally, callus formation occurs in about 15 days, and rooting starts in about 30 days.
5. Transplanting of Seedlings
Before potting the seedlings, prepare nutrient soil by mixing 3 parts of decomposed leaf soil, 1 part sand, and 2 parts garden soil. When transplanting, be careful not to damage the roots. The depth should be based on the original base of the root. After planting, water thoroughly and place in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight. Water the plants daily based on the soil condition in the pot, keeping it slightly dry and moist.
The above is the specific content of the propagation method for the Fortune Tree. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited!