How to propagate四季秋海棠 through cutting
The following is a detailed introduction for netizens on how to propagate 四季秋海棠 through cutting and the related knowledge of注意事项 for cutting methods, followed by a detailed explanation from the editor.
四季秋海棠 is a perennial herbaceous shrub from Brazil, with strong reproductive abilities. Both stems and leaves can be used for propagation, using soil or water as the growing medium. There are many varieties of 四季秋海棠, with double and single petal types, flower colors including red, white, and pink, and leaf colors including green, copper purple, and dark brown. It is a common绿化 plant and many flower enthusiasts also grow it at home. Here is an introduction to the cutting method for 四季秋海棠.
One, Cutting Time
It is generally suitable in spring and autumn, and cuttings can also survive in winter. The optimal growth temperature for 四季秋海棠 is between 15 to 24°C. In southern regions, the warm and humid conditions in April and May are most suitable for cutting, with a temperature of around 20°C making it easier for the cuttings to root and survive. If the temperature is too high, the cuttings are prone to rot, especially in the summer when soil humidity is high, so it is not suitable to cut in summer.
Two, Preparing Cuttings
Select a strong two-year-old branch with two buds, with three or four internodes. Use a disinfected sharp blade to cut a 10 cm long branch from 1 cm below the last internode of the branch as the cutting.
Remove the top tender bud of the cutting, and if there are flower buds, cut them off as well. Reduce the excess leaves, retaining three or four leaves, and place the cutting in a shaded area to dry for two days until the cut surface slightly whitens before cutting. Reduce watering for the mother plant by 15 days to slow down growth, making the cuttings less slender and fragile, and easier to survive after cutting. Also, the leaves of 四季秋海棠 can also be used for propagation through cutting.
Three, Propagation Methods
1. Direct Soil Propagation
Select soil with good drainage and aeration, such as clean fine river sand or soft sandy soil as the growing medium. It is best to disinfect and sterilize the soil medium. Do not use nutrient-rich soil or leaf mold soil for cutting, as excessive fertilizer or too much humus in the medium makes it difficult for the cuttings to root and more prone to rot.
Choose the number of cuttings based on the size of the pot, with the pot diameter slightly larger than the size of one plant. If multiple cuttings are planted in a large pot, the spacing between plants should be 3 cm. Use a stick to make several holes in the soil, one-third the length of the cutting deep.
When cutting, place the cutting in the hole and slightly press the surrounding soil at the base, then place it in a shaded area with indirect light to recover.
Do not water immediately after cutting, as this allows the cut to heal. Water thoroughly after 3 to 5 days, and then do not water again, keeping the soil slightly moist. After about 10 days, the plant can grow 3 to 4 cm of roots, at which point it can be moved to a sunny area, and after another 6 to 7 days, it can be transplanted to a pot.
If the seedlings are first grown in a bed, they need to wait for the new roots of the cutting to age before transplanting to a pot.
2. First Hydroponic and Then Potting
Hydroponics has a high survival rate. You can first hydroponically cut the cuttings and then transplant them into potting soil. Use clear water to culture the cuttings in a glass bottle, submerge the cutting part in water, and place it in a semi-shaded and well-ventilated area. When three fibrous roots grow at the bottom, after about 20 days, it can be transplanted to the pot for planting.
The above-mentioned sharing on how to propagate 四季秋海棠 through cutting and the related注意事项 for cutting methods is for everyone to learn and understand!