Crabapple is a very beautiful plant, known as the "Oriental Beauty," and is often used to decorate courtyards and gardens. If you want to propagate crabapple, then cutting is a very convenient and effective method. However, how to propagate crabapple by cuttings? This article will provide you with a detailed guide to help you understand the methods and precautions for crabapple cuttings.
Choose the right time for cuttings
The best time for crabapple cuttings is usually in spring and autumn. During these two seasons, the temperature is more suitable and is conducive to the growth of the crabapple after cutting. If you choose to take cuttings in summer or winter, it is likely to fail.
Select healthy crabapple branches
When selecting branches for crabapple cuttings, you should choose branches that are healthy, vigorous, and of moderate diameter (about half the thickness of a pen). The branches should not be too old or too thick, otherwise they will be difficult to survive; they should also not be too thin and weak, otherwise their growth will not be strong.
Prepare the cutting soil
The soil for crabapple cuttings should be nutrient-rich and have good permeability. It can be made from materials such as decomposed soil, leaf mold, and river sand. If the soil is too heavy, you can add an appropriate amount of perlite or river sand to improve its permeability.
Process the branches
Before planting crabapple cuttings, the branches need to be treated. Cut the top of the branch to make it a "V" shape. Apply rooting powder to the lower cut of the branch. This can promote the rooting of the crabapple branch.
Insert the branch into the soil
Insert the treated crabapple branch into the cutting soil to a depth of about half the length of the branch. If the branch is not sturdy enough, you can use a small stick or wire to secure it.
Maintain a moist environment
The crabapple after cutting needs to be kept in a moist environment. You can spray water with a sprayer, or place the cutting pot in a larger pot and add some water at the bottom to let it evaporate naturally.
Avoid overwatering
Although crabapples need to be kept in a moist environment, they should not be overwatered. If the soil is too wet, it will cause the crabapple branches to rot. You should control the amount and frequency of watering.
Avoid direct sunlight and cold
The crabapple after cutting needs to be protected from direct sunlight and cold weather. If you encounter extremely cold or hot weather, you can move the cutting pot indoors, or cover the cutting pot with a layer of plastic wrap.
Ensure good ventilation
The crabapple cutting pot needs to have proper ventilation. Without ventilation, the air in the pot will not circulate, affecting the growth of the crabapple.
Control the light exposure
Crabapples like plenty of sunlight, but it should not be too strong. Within a month after cutting, the cutting pot should be placed in a semi-shaded area, and the time of exposure to sunlight should be gradually increased.
Keep the soil fertile
The soil for crabapple cuttings needs to remain fertile. You can add an appropriate amount of liquid fertilizer to the cutting pot within two weeks after cutting to promote the growth of the crabapple.
Remove wilted parts in time
If you find that some branches of the crabapple have withered after cutting, you should remove them in time. This can prevent the decayed material from damaging other healthy branches.
Transplant at the right time
When the crabapple has grown new shoots and the roots are well-developed after cutting, it can be transplanted into a fixed pot. When transplanting, be careful to protect the roots of the crabapple.
Pay attention to pest and disease control
During the growth process after crabapple cuttings, various pests and diseases may be encountered. They should be discovered in time and corresponding control measures should be taken.
Propagating crabapple by cuttings is not only convenient but also has a high success rate. However, during the cutting process, you need to pay attention to a series of issues such as choosing the right time for cuttings, selecting healthy crabapple branches, preparing the cutting soil, and treating the branches. If you pay attention to these key points, the crabapple cuttings will grow strong and healthy.