Abstract:
Osmanthus tree is a common ornamental plant in China, popular for its strong fragrance. If you want to propagate osmanthus trees, one method is cutting. However, successful cutting propagation requires mastering the correct methods and techniques. Below, this article will detail how to properly conduct osmanthus tree cutting propagation from three aspects: precautions, steps, and techniques.
Osmanthus tree is a common ornamental plant in China, popular for its strong fragrance. If you want to propagate osmanthus trees, one method is cutting. However, successful cutting propagation requires mastering the correct methods and techniques. Below, this article will detail how to properly conduct osmanthus tree cutting propagation from three aspects: precautions, steps, and techniques.
Selecting Suitable Branches for Cuttings
Osmanthus tree cuttings require selecting young and vigorous branches, preferably conducted during the growing season from July to September. The selected branch length should be 15-20 cm, with a diameter of 5-8 mm, and should be free of pests, diseases, and mechanical damage.
Preparing the Cutting Medium in Advance
The cutting medium should be fertile, loose, breathable, and have good water retention. You can use a mixture of decomposed soil and sand, adding appropriate amounts of decomposed cake fertilizer to the mixture.
Processing the Cutting Branches
Remove two-thirds of the leaves from the leaf axils of the selected osmanthus branches, and trim the remaining leaves to half their size. Use scissors to trim the end of the branch, keeping it at a slant, with a smooth and non-irritating cut, and leave one leaf axil above the end.
Burying the Branches in the Cutting Medium
Insert the processed osmanthus branches into the prepared cutting medium, with an insertion depth of about two-thirds of the branch length. Firmly press the medium around the branch to ensure full contact between the branch and the medium.
Watering to Maintain Moisture
After inserting the branches, evenly spray water using a sprayer to moisten the cutting medium. Place the cutting pot in a shaded area and occasionally spray water to maintain humidity.
Maintaining Ventilation and Appropriate Temperature
After osmanthus tree cuttings, maintain ventilation and appropriate temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or strong winds, and note that both excessively high or low indoor temperatures can affect the survival rate of cuttings.
Thorough Watering at the Base
After inserting the branches, thoroughly water the base to saturate the medium, ensuring close contact with the branches. Subsequent watering should be controlled to keep the medium moist.
Timely Removal of Poorly Growing Branches
During growth, promptly remove poorly growing branches to maintain ventilation and breathability of the cutting medium.
Paying Attention to Pest and Disease Prevention
Osmanthus tree cuttings are susceptible to pest and disease influences, so preventive measures should be taken. Regular observation, inspection, and timely treatment are necessary.
Timely Fertilization
Osmanthus tree cuttings require timely fertilization, especially during periods of vigorous growth. Adequate nutrient supply should be ensured, but attention should also be paid to the amount and frequency of fertilization.
Reasonable Pruning
After osmanthus tree cuttings successfully take root, reasonable pruning is needed to create an aesthetically pleasing shape, rational branching, and vigorous growth.
Mastering the Correct Transplanting Time
After osmanthus tree cuttings successfully take root, master the transplanting time. In spring or autumn, transplant the seedlings to gardens or pots.
Mastering the Transplanting Method
When transplanting osmanthus cuttings, master the method by preserving the roots as much as possible and transplanting the entire seedling. Before transplanting, add sufficient fertilizer to the new pot to help the new seedling develop roots.
Timely Watering and Fertilization
After transplanting osmanthus trees, water and fertilize timely to ensure adequate nutrition supply, which benefits growth.
Through the above steps, we can successfully propagate osmanthus trees by cuttings. However, it should be noted that the success rate of cuttings depends on various factors such as weather, medium, and temperature. Therefore, comprehensive consideration and thorough work are still needed to achieve better cutting propagation results.