When is the best time to propagate Prunus triloba cv. 'Hongye' through cuttings? What month(s) should one propagate Prunus triloba cv. 'Hongye' using cuttings?

When to propagate Prunus triloba in months

Provide you with a comprehensive explanation of when to propagate Prunus triloba and some small green plant maintenance tips for the propagation time of Prunus triloba. The following is an introduction in detail:

Prunus triloba, also known as small peach red, belongs to the Rosaceae peach genus and is a deciduous shrub. Because the leaves of Prunus triloba are similar in shape to elm leaves and the flowers are as beautiful as plum blossoms, Prunus triloba has strong salt and alkali resistance and is widely planted in many places in the north.

Prunus triloba blooms earlier than it produces leaves. When in bloom, it looks as magnificent as the branches of dried枝梅花, reflecting the bright spring light and vibrant spring scenery, which is very popular among people. How to propagate and care for Prunus triloba? By following these six points, you can make Prunus triloba bloom as beautifully as clouds.

How to propagate Prunus triloba?

1. When to propagate Prunus triloba?

For propagating Prunus triloba, we can choose the end of spring or the beginning of autumn. The suitable temperature for propagating Prunus triloba is around 20-25℃, which is more conducive to the rooting and germination of Prunus triloba.

However, the temperature should also be below 30℃ during cultivation. Therefore, it is better to do it at the beginning of autumn because the temperature will gradually cool down, which is beneficial for potting and growing Prunus triloba.

2. Choose suitable soil for propagating Prunus triloba

Prunus triloba does not have high requirements for soil, and neutral to slightly alkaline, fertile soil is preferred.

3. Choose the right cuttings for Prunus triloba

When choosing cuttings for Prunus triloba, we can select branches from the current year or the previous year, which are vigorous and strong. Cut the branches into segments about 20 cm long.

4. Propagate Prunus triloba

We can place 2-3 cm of coarse sand at the bottom of the pot as a water filter layer, then fill 2/3 of the soil, which can be soil of moderate softness. Insert the cuttings diagonally into the soil, with a depth of about 10-15 cm. After covering the soil and pressing it down, water thoroughly and place it in a shady and well-ventilated area. Keep the soil moist and frequently spray water on the cuttings to prevent them from drying out.

How to cultivate Prunus triloba?

1. Choose a suitable pot

When growing Prunus triloba at home, you can choose a larger clay pot or sand-casted pot because these types of pots have good breathability and are beneficial for the growth of Prunus triloba. Avoid using porcelain and plastic pots due to their poor breathability.

2. Choose suitable soil

You can use a mixture of 3 parts garden soil and 1 part furnace slag; or 4 parts garden soil, 1 part coarse sand, and 2 parts sawdust.

3. Plant Prunus triloba

Place some coarse sand at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage and act as a filter for soil fertilizer. Then add a layer of decomposed manure to help Prunus triloba grow more vigorously. Put the prepared soil into the pot, about 2/3 full. Place the Prunus triloba with the soil ball in the center of the pot, then cover the soil and press it down, water thoroughly, and place it in a shaded area to harden off. Under normal circumstances, it can be maintained normally after 7-10 days.

When to propagate Prunus triloba in months

How to care for Prunus triloba after potting?

1. Temperature management

Prunus triloba is cold-tolerant but heat-sensitive. The optimal growth temperature for Prunus triloba is between 20-25℃. During propagation, if the temperature is below 20℃, Prunus triloba will root slowly, and if it is above 30℃, it will grow unfavorably and is prone to diseases and pests, leading to rotting, which becomes more severe as the temperature rises. Especially during the initial planting stage, the temperature must be controlled properly.

2. Light management

Prunus triloba enjoys sunlight but is afraid of strong summer sunlight. Therefore, in autumn, winter, and spring, we can keep Prunus triloba in full sun. When the temperature exceeds 30℃ in summer, we can provide shade for Prunus triloba.

For Prunus triloba propagated and potted at the end of spring, we can keep it in a shaded area because the temperature will be very high after potting. For Prunus triloba propagated and potted at the beginning of autumn, we can keep it in full sun because the temperature has dropped below 30℃.

3. Watering management

Prunus triloba is drought-tolerant but afraid of waterlogging, so watering must be careful. After potting, we can water thoroughly once, and then water according to the condition of the potting soil and the temperature. During high summer temperatures, we can water thoroughly to prevent Prunus triloba from dying due to water shortage. We can also use the method of spraying water to lower the temperature of Prunus triloba. During the rainy season, we can move Prunus triloba to a rain-free area for care because it is afraid of waterlogging. In late autumn and early winter, we can water Prunus triloba with frost water to ensure it survives the winter.

4. Fertilization management

If Prunus triloba is propagated in autumn, we can apply decomposed manure at the end of autumn and early winter by digging a hole 15 cm away from the root diameter of Prunus triloba and covering it with soil. This can not only prevent frost damage but also increase the number of flowers for the next year.

Also, during May to June each year, we can top-dress Prunus triloba 1-2 times because this period is the flowering bud differentiation stage. Fertilizers can be compound fertilizers with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium or decomposed manure.

When fertilizing Prunus triloba, it is better to apply shallowly and water promptly after fertilization.