How to propagate Chinese lantern flowers through cutting
Today, I will explain in detail how to propagate Chinese lantern flowers through cutting, as well as the cutting methods and precautions related to green plants and flowers. The specific introduction is as follows:
Is it possible to propagate Chinese lantern flowers by cutting in early June? Chinese lantern flowers, also known as inverted golden bells or hanging begonias, belong to the semi-woody shrubs of the Onagraceae family. The height of potted plants is generally between 30 to 60 cm, with the old stems showing obvious semi-woody characteristics, and the leaves are opposite or whorled. The flowers mainly grow at the tips of the branches and in the axils of the leaves.
Chinese lantern flowers prefer a cool and humid semi-shaded environment, are not tolerant of strong sunlight and high temperatures, and the most suitable growth temperature is between 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. When the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, the plant growth is particularly slow and gradually enters a dormant period. When the temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, the plant cannot tolerate the high temperature and gradually withers and dies. Chinese lantern flowers are relatively tolerant of pruning. The main method of propagation is through cutting.
From the growth habits of Chinese lantern flowers, we can see that they prefer cooler temperatures, and the survival ambient temperature is basically the same as that of human living environments. The normal cutting time is generally between March to May or September to October. The temperature during these two periods is usually not very high, making it more suitable for the cutting branches to root and survive. By June, the outdoor ambient temperature often exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, and can even reach above 35 degrees Celsius. It is difficult for the plants to survive in such high temperatures, and the survival rate of cuttings is naturally very low, or even zero.
However, it is also true that when outdoor temperatures are high, if the cutting is done indoors with scattered light and air conditioning to cool down, keeping the indoor temperature at around 25 degrees Celsius, cuttings can still be performed under these conditions. As long as the temperature, light, and humidity are suitable, and the management is up to par, the survival rate is still relatively high. Therefore, it can be said that under natural conditions in June, it is not very suitable for propagating Chinese lantern flowers through cuttings. One should make the correct operational decisions based on their own conditions and the growth environment of the plants. As long as the temperature is appropriate, cuttings can be done all year round. It is possible to cut strong branches and propagate them in coarse sand soil or a mixture of vermiculite and perlite, and they will root and survive in about half a month. Therefore, during the summer, it is best to place the Chinese lantern flowers in an air-conditioned room with a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius, near the front window with sufficient sunlight, which is more suitable.
The above introduction on how to propagate Chinese lantern flowers through cutting, as well as the cutting methods and precautions, is hoped to be of help to you. Don't forget to check out more experience and common sense!