How to propagate Celastrus orbiculatus through cutting
This article provides a brief introduction to the propagation of Celastrus orbiculatus by cutting and the characteristics and cultivation techniques of Celastrus orbiculatus, followed by a detailed explanation.
Celastrus orbiculatus belongs to the Celastraceae family and is also known by its scientific name, Celastrus. In folk, Celastrus orbiculatus is also known as "Full Pavilion Red" or "Chinese crabapple tree." Celastrus orbiculatus is known for its long blooming period, with its flowering season lasting from summer to autumn. It is often planted in parks and used as an ornamental species for landscaping. Growers can choose to plant it in pots or directly in the soil.
1 Characteristics of Celastrus orbiculatus
Celastrus orbiculatus is a type of flower native to China, classified as a temperate broad-leaved deciduous tree. The average height of these trees is around 10 meters, with thin and brittle bark that turns grayish-brown when shed. The leaves are elliptical, with individual leaves measuring 2 to 8 cm in length. The flowers grow sequentially at the tips of the branches and are often red and purple, with an average diameter of about 3 cm. The fruit is nearly spherical and winged. Celastrus orbiculatus also has high medicinal value, capable of resisting the invasion of various toxic gases such as chlorine and sulfur dioxide. It can withstand a certain degree of cold and drought but is susceptible to flooding and prefers sunny conditions. The flowers are more likely to bloom in hot and dry environments. The trunk of Celastrus orbiculatus is twisted, but the bark is smooth, giving the trunk a new appearance after the old bark sheds, making it a plant with certain ornamental qualities.
2 Cultivation Techniques of Celastrus orbiculatus
2.1 Seed Sowing Technique
Before sowing, suitable land should be selected, with sandy soil being the most appropriate for easy management after planting. Growers should select mature seeds in November and peel them, slightly drying them before storing them in a sealed container. In March of the following year, the seeds are broadcast on the seedbed and covered with soil to a depth where the seeds are no longer visible, ensuring a balanced temperature in the field before germination. After germination, the temperature for seed growth should be adjusted based on external temperatures. When seedlings have grown two pairs of true leaves, thinning can be done after rain; by six months, a light application of fertilizer is appropriate. In summer, ensure proper drainage for the seedlings. By the end of the year, the seedlings can reach a height of about 50 cm. If the seedlings bloom in the first year, the flowers should be removed, and the seedlings can be transplanted to a designated location in the spring of the following year.
2.2 Cutting Propagation Technique
Two common methods used in the cutting propagation of Celastrus orbiculatus are hardwood cutting and softwood cutting. Hardwood cutting uses one-year-old branches cut into 15 cm-long cuttings and inserted into soil rich in organic matter before the branches start to sprout. The buds should be left exposed above the soil. After watering, cover the branches with a thin film, removing it when the branches reach 20 cm in height, and water appropriately. By the following year, the branches can grow to 80 cm. Softwood cutting is done in August using semi-hardened new branches from the current year, cut to 10 cm in length, with the top cut flat and two leaves retained. The cuttings are inserted to a depth of about 4 cm and watered thoroughly. After 20 days, the cuttings can take root in the soil.
How to propagate Celastrus orbiculatus through cutting
2.3 Planting Technique
The best time for planting Celastrus orbiculatus is before the seedlings start to sprout, with the specific planting time depending on the local climate. The optimal planting time in most regions is from November of the current year to March of the following year. Growers should dig a hole about 1 meter in diameter in the soil and keep the excavated soil to fill in the hole after planting the seedlings. The height of the seedlings above the ground should be kept at about 1.2 meters, with excess branches above the plant cut after planting. When new branches grow, keep three main branches and maintain a certain shape of the tree canopy.
2.4 Management Techniques After Planting
After planting Celastrus orbiculatus seedlings, they should be watered and covered with soil immediately. In March, apply a compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and in early June, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer again. If you want the flowers of Celastrus orbiculatus to grow better, you can also apply flower fertilizer based on the growth of the trees.
The growth of Celastrus orbiculatus is relatively random, so pruning is necessary. Pruning can be divided into winter and summer, with winter pruning referring to the removal of last year's growth to ensure better flowering the following year, which is an important technique for Celastrus orbiculatus to develop large inflorescences. Summer pruning involves removing the remaining flowers on the branches after flowering and avoiding pruning the spring shoots to prevent excessive leaf growth without flowering. Pruning should be done at appropriate positions to expand the tree canopy.
3 Summary
In summary, both the planting and post-planting management of Celastrus orbiculatus are crucial during the tree's growth. Growers need to select the appropriate planting time and techniques based on local climate and soil conditions and carry out watering, fertilizing, and pruning to ensure better growth of Celastrus orbiculatus and provide technical support for landscaping and urban greening.
The above content on how to propagate Celastrus orbiculatus through cutting and its characteristics and cultivation techniques can be referenced by green plant enthusiasts.