The Best Time for Cuttage of Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe, as a perennial succulent ornamental plant, is deeply favored by horticulture enthusiasts for its abundant flowers and robust vitality. Mastering scientific cuttage techniques can not only achieve rapid propagation of plants but also preserve the superior traits of the mother plant. This article will systematically explain the entire process of cuttage from the selection of timing to root cultivation.
I. The Golden Period for Kalanchoe Cuttage
In the late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) with an average daily temperature of 18-25℃, the plant is in a semi-dormant state, and the branches have sufficient accumulation of active substances. Experimental data show that the survival rate of cuttage decreases by 40% when the temperature is below 15℃ and is prone to incision rot when above 28℃.
II. Efficient Cuttage Operation System
1. Branch Selection Criteria
Select the top 5-8cm robust tender branches and retain 2-3 pairs of leaves. Use a 45-degree oblique cut method to expand the incision area, and using a disinfected blade can reduce the risk of infection. Applying charcoal powder to the incision can accelerate the formation of callus tissue.
2. Double Bud Cultivation Method with Leaf Cuttage
Choose mature leaves from the middle and lower parts, and completely strip them with a 1cm petiole. Lay them flat on the surface of a mixed matrix of perlite:vermiculite at a ratio of 3:1, maintain 60% humidity, and double bud points can germinate at the leaf edges after 3 weeks.
III. Environmental Control during the Rooting Period
Rooting time can be shortened through temperature and humidity联动 management: • First 3 days: 70% shading + 25℃ constant temperature • 4-7 days: diffused light + morning and evening spraying • 8-10 days: increase ventilation when new roots break through the matrix. More than 90% of the scions complete rooting within 10-15 days, and when the new roots reach 3cm, they can be transplanted.
Kalanchoe that has been successfully cutted needs to go through a 30-day seedling缓苗 period. It is recommended to use a ceramic pot with special soil for succulents, and maintaining a day-night temperature difference of 8℃ can promote the differentiation of flower buds. Regularly rotating the pot can make the plant shape uniform and full, achieving the ideal effect of a burst of flowers the year after cuttage.