How to propagate Disocactus nitens through cutting
You may not be familiar with how to propagate Disocactus nitens by cutting and the detailed methods for the correct propagation of this green plant. Let's learn about it together.
Disocactus nitens, also known as Ceropegia, is a perennial succulent shrub of the Cactaceae family. It is usually propagated through stem cuttings with a terminal bud, while leaf propagation is more challenging. Below, I will explain why it is not suitable to propagate Disocactus nitens using leaves and the method of stem cutting propagation.
One: Not suitable for leaf propagation
1. Difficulty in leaf cutting survival
The petiole of Disocactus nitens is short, and the bases of the two leaves are often partially connected, making it difficult to completely separate a single leaf without causing damage to the stem.
Moreover, due to the small size of the leaves, they are prone to dehydration and wrinkling. If the potting soil is too moist, the cut leaves are easily hydrated, making leaf propagation survival more challenging and not suitable for Disocactus nitens.
2. Better to choose stem cutting method
Most succulent plants that can survive through stem cuttings do not use leaf propagation. Disocactus nitens is easy to root and survive through stem cuttings; as long as the base of the cutting takes root, the terminal bud can continue to grow.
However, the leaf propagation method is complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. To ensure leaf cutting survival, one must pay attention to the integrity of the leaves and消毒sterilize the leaves and soil. Therefore, stem cutting propagation is more suitable than leaf propagation.
Two: Stem cutting propagation method
1. Cutting time
Disocactus nitens grows well in temperatures between 18 to 24°C, and stem cuttings can be made in spring and autumn.
2. Prepare the substrate
Use clean river sand as the growing bed, or a mixture of vermiculite, perlite, peat soil, and coal ash. This mixture can be exposed to the sun for a day.
3. Handle the cuttings
Select a healthy Disocactus nitens plant, use the topping method to cut off the healthy, full, and lignified top stem of the plant, remove the bottom leaves of the cutting, retain at least the terminal bud and a pair of top leaves, and place it in a shaded and well-ventilated area to dry the cut surface.
4. Cutting process
When cutting, first water the growing bed to make the substrate slightly moist, then place the cutting on the surface of the substrate or bury it in the soil and press the soil surface firmly.
5. Post-propagation care
The plant should be cared for in a well-ventilated area without direct sunlight. Disocactus nitens prefers warm temperatures, does not tolerate cold, and fears high heat. Maintain a suitable temperature and spray water moderately to keep the soil slightly moist. Usually, it takes 15 to 20 days to root, and then the substrate should be kept in a moist but slightly dry state.
The detailed explanation above about how to propagate Disocactus nitens by cutting and the correct propagation methods, I hope this article can provide you with help in green plant management!