How to propagate Schefflera arboricola through cutting
About the simple knowledge of propagating Schefflera arboricola and Dracaena reflexa cuttings, the following article will introduce to the netizens by the editor.
Schefflera arboricola is also known as Dracaena reflexa, and some people like to call it a money tree. It is an ornamental plant with very beautiful leaves and strong adaptability to the environment. It is also very easy to maintain, so many people like to grow a pot of it at home for appreciation.
The branches and leaves of Schefflera arboricola have a strong germination ability, and it is necessary to prune the overgrown and long branches during the growing period. Otherwise, the plant shape will become messy and affect its ornamental value. Schefflera arboricola is very easy to propagate through cuttings. Don't throw away the branches pruned in daily maintenance. With simple treatment, they can survive when planted in a flower pot. Many people encounter black stems and difficulty in rooting when propagating Schefflera arboricola, which may be due to some details not being handled well. Below, I will share how to propagate Schefflera arboricola to improve the survival rate and multiply the plants.
What season is suitable for propagating Schefflera arboricola
Schefflera arboricola is easy to propagate and can be propagated throughout the year. In winter, as long as the temperature is suitable and proper insulation is provided after cutting, the cuttings can root and survive normally. If the temperature is relatively low in winter, you can wait until spring to propagate. Spring is the peak growing season for Schefflera arboricola, and the branches are rich in nutrients, allowing the cuttings to root and survive faster.
How to prune the cuttings
In spring, when pruning Schefflera arboricola, you can use the healthy branches pruned as cuttings. Cut the branches into cuttings about 15 cm long, with at least two bud points on each cutting to grow new branches and leaves later. Keep a pair of leaves at the top of the cutting for photosynthesis, and cut the bottom into a 45-degree diagonal slice, completing the cutting treatment.
Disinfection and sterilization of cuttings
Many gardening enthusiasts have no problem with their propagation methods, but after propagation, the cuttings still rot and turn black. The main reason for the rotting at the bottom of the cuttings is bacterial infection at the cut site, preventing them from rooting and surviving properly.
If you want to avoid rotting and blackening of the cuttings, you can first disinfect and sterilize the cuttings before propagation. The method is very simple; just soak the cuttings in a 0.2% carbendazim or potassium permanganate solution for a few minutes and also spray the substrate. After sterilizing the cuttings and substrate, propagation can be carried out effectively to avoid bacterial infection and blackening.
How to propagate Schefflera arboricola through cuttings
What kind of substrate to use for propagation
Many gardening enthusiasts can successfully propagate Schefflera arboricola using ordinary garden soil, but to ensure faster and better rooting and survival of the cuttings, it is best to use a loose and breathable substrate, such as peat, perlite, or vermiculite commonly used for propagating ornamental plants, mixed in a 1:1:1 ratio as a propagation substrate.
If you don't have these materials, you can also choose pure river sand mixed with a small amount of finely chopped decomposed leaf soil, which can retain water and allow breathability while providing nutrients for the cuttings, resulting in more vigorous growth after survival.
Propagation method
Fill a flower pot or disposable plastic cup with the prepared substrate, press it down gently with your hands, then make holes in the substrate with bamboo sticks, insert the cuttings, and water thoroughly with a spray bottle. After propagating Schefflera arboricola, do not expose it to sunlight immediately. Place it in a shaded and well-ventilated environment for maintenance. Often spray water mist on the branches and leaves during the day to maintain high humidity, allowing the cuttings to root and survive as soon as possible.
Have you understood the detailed introduction of the simple propagation methods for Schefflera arboricola and Dracaena reflexa cuttings shared above?