Alocasia's cutting methods and precautions
Today's focus is on introducing the cutting methods and precautions of Alocasia, as well as related knowledge about the simplest cutting techniques for Alocasia. If there are any mistakes, please feel free to correct them!
Alocasia, also known as Schefflera, is also affectionately called the 'fortune tree'. It is an ornamental plant with very beautiful foliage. It has a strong adaptability to the environment and is very easy to care for, so many people like to keep a pot of it at home for display.
The foliage of Alocasia has a strong germination ability. During the growing period, it is necessary to prune the overly tall and long branches frequently, otherwise the plant shape will become messy and affect its ornamental value. Alocasia is very easy to propagate by cuttings. Don't throw away the branches pruned in daily maintenance; simply treat them and they can survive when planted in a pot. Many people encounter blackened stems and difficulty in rooting when propagating Alocasia, which may be due to some details not being handled properly. Here are some tips on how to propagate Alocasia to increase the survival rate and multiply the number of plants.
What season is suitable for propagating Alocasia
Alocasia is a plant that is easy to propagate through cuttings and can be propagated throughout the year. In winter, as long as the temperature is suitable, after cutting, insulate it properly, and the cuttings can root and survive normally. If the temperature at home is relatively low in winter, you can wait until spring to propagate. Spring is the period of vigorous growth for Alocasia, and the branches are rich in nutrients, allowing the cuttings to root and survive faster.
How to prune cuttings
In spring, when pruning Alocasia, you can use the healthy branches pruned as cuttings. Cut the branches into cuttings about 15 centimeters long, each with more than two bud points to grow new branches and leaves later. Retain a pair of leaves at the top of the cutting for photosynthesis, and cut the bottom into a 45-degree diagonal slice to complete the cutting treatment.
Sterilization and disinfection of cuttings
Many gardening enthusiasts have no problem with their cutting methods, but after cutting, some still encounter rotting and blackening of the cuttings. The main reason for the bottom of the cuttings rotting is bacterial infection at the cut site, preventing normal rooting and survival.
If you want to avoid rotting and blackening of cuttings, you can sterilize and disinfect the cuttings before propagation. The method is 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 and disinfecting the cuttings and substrate, propagation can be carried out to effectively prevent bacterial infection and blackening of the cuttings.
Alocasia's cutting methods and precautions
What type of substrate to use for propagation
Many gardening enthusiasts can propagate Alocasia successfully using ordinary garden soil, but to ensure faster and better rooting and survival of cuttings, it's best to choose a loose and breathable substrate for propagation, such as peat, perlite, or vermiculite commonly used for propagating flowering plants. These can be mixed in equal parts (1:1:1) to make a propagation substrate.
If you don't have these materials at home, you can also choose to use pure river sand mixed with a small amount of finely crushed leaf mold. This can both retain water and provide aeration, as well as supply nutrients to the cuttings, making them grow more vigorously after survival.
Propagation operation method
Fill the prepared substrate into a flower pot or a disposable plastic cup, press it down gently with your hands, then make holes in the substrate with a bamboo chopstick, and insert the cuttings into the substrate. Water thoroughly with a spray bottle. After propagating Alocasia, 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.
Do you know the methods and precautions for propagating Alocasia, and the detailed introduction of the simplest cutting techniques, as introduced by the Green Enthusiast Network above?