Dragon Head Cutting Method
White horned dragons, as a type of succulent plant in the Euphorbiaceae family, are deeply loved by gardening enthusiasts for their unique shapes. When encountering the problem of etiolation, head cutting is a key technique to restore the plant's shape. This article will systematically explain the scientific operation process of dragon head cutting, from tool preparation to postoperative care.
Four Key Steps of Dragon Head Cutting
Tool Selection and Disinfection Treatment
Since the diameter of a dragon's stem can reach 3-5cm, ordinary scissors can easily cause squeezing injuries. It is recommended to use a scalpel or craft knife, with a blade thickness of ≤0.5mm being ideal. Before use, wipe the blade with a 75% alcohol cotton pad and then quickly burn it on a flame for 2 seconds to achieve double sterilization.
Judgment of Etiolation and Incision Positioning
The internode spacing of a healthy dragon should be maintained at 1-2cm; when the internode spacing exceeds 3cm, pruning is necessary. For mild etiolation (height over 30cm), retain 5-7 nodes; for severe etiolation (height over 50cm), retain 3-4 nodes. The incision should be 0.5cm away from the node, with a 45° oblique plane to increase the healing area.
Standard Cutting Technique
Wear thorn-proof gloves to stabilize the upper part of the plant, and complete a single cutting action quickly. An ideal incision should present a smooth light green cross-section; if there is fiber pulling, it indicates the blade is not sharp enough. After the cut is completed, immediately apply a cotton swab dipped in carbendazim suspension (1:800 ratio) to the wound.
Cuttings Treatment and Mother Plant Care
The cuttings need to be dried in the shade for 3-5 days to allow the incision to form a film, using a mixture of vermiculite and perlite (3:1 ratio) for cutting. Move the mother plant to a well-ventilated and diffused light area, controlling the environmental humidity to ≤60%, and avoid spraying water for 2 weeks. New buds usually sprout 15-20 days later from below the incision.
By cutting the head scientifically, the dragon can maintain a compact shape, with a success rate of over 90%. The key is to perform the operation during the spring/autumn growing season, combined with postoperative light control (4-6 hours of scattered light per day) and water control (water when the potting soil is completely dry), to cultivate a more visually appealing dragon shape.