Haworthia
Miniature succulent plant management knowledge series, topics about the knowledge of Haworthia (Haworthia), the leaf propagation of Haworthia (Haworthia), let's get to know it together.
I. Leaf Selection
Healthy leaves will do, leaves picked after cutting the top or the outer old leaves of the plant, with leaves picked after cutting the top being the best. This is because young leaves are easier to propagate successfully than aged leaves, and young leaves can be propagated multiple times. After the seedlings are removed from the leaf cuttings, the leaves can still produce new seedlings, up to 4 or 5 times, at least one seedling each time. For aged leaves, the probability of failure is quite high, and even if successful, they can usually only produce one seedling. After removing the leaves, they need to be processed, dried, and sterilized. Applying sterilizing powder is not necessary; it can be omitted if not available, but the drying process is essential.
This process usually takes more than a week and it's better to extend the time than to shorten it. This process is not just about drying the wound, but allowing the plant's own healing tissue to fully function, growing a scar on the wound that can resist microorganisms, so that the treated leaves can be safely planted. Friends say in Japan, many enthusiasts wrap the leaves in sterile soft paper after removing them and put them in a drawer for a month before planting (this method hasn't been tried, worth a try)! It's best to remove the leaves intact, that is, cut them close to the stem (this is what many masters say about needing to take some stem tissue). Of course, it doesn't mean that leaves without stem tissue won't root or produce seedlings, I have personal success stories with leaf propagation, but the chances are indeed low.
II. Selection of Leaf Propagation Material
Red jade,鹿沼, orchid stone, vermiculite, perlite can all be used, even the special succulent soil sold in the market can be used. My leaf propagation soil consists of large-particle red jade soil at the bottom and a mixture of fine red jade + vermiculite + rice husk carbon on top.
III. Time for Leaf Propagation
Generally, it is done in spring and autumn because these are the peak growing seasons for Haworthia plants, with active cells and accelerated metabolism, making it the easiest season for successful leaf propagation. The next best time is winter, as propagation in winter has a slower germination rate but a lower probability of leaf rot.
Of course, leaf propagation can also be done in summer, but the results are significantly worse compared to the other three seasons, especially for beginners. In summer, leaf propagation requires special attention to water control, as any mistake can easily lead to leaf rot.
IV. Management During Leaf Propagation
The leaf propagation tray I use is quite shallow, with a soil thickness of about 5 centimeters, so the soil dries quickly. I usually water the tray once a week and mist it daily to maintain some humidity. Personally, I think that if conditions permit, it's even simpler in a greenhouse, where the humidity is high, and leaves can be thrown directly on the soil surface after removal, leaving them to root on their own. That is to say, air humidity is indeed very important! At home, you can also use a closed environment, but I don't like it. It just creates air humidity! If using a closed environment, be especially careful in the summer with watering and ventilation, or better yet, don't use it at all in the summer, just spray some water more frequently!
V. Time for Seedlings to Appear
The time for seedlings to appear after planting the leaves varies from a week to several months. The longest I've heard from friends is 9 months, and my personal leaf propagation usually takes 1-2 months to germinate! Some can even sprout in a week!
VI. Situation of Seedling Emergence
1. Roots appear first, then seedlings. This occurs when the leaves are inserted into the propagation medium and roots start to form at the base of the leafstalk within a week to two months, then grow into fleshy roots, continuing to expand and extend into the soil. When the roots reach a certain length, a bud appears at the connection between the root and the leafstalk, marking the formal emergence of a new growth point (i.e., a seedling), followed by the expansion and growth of the seedling.
2. Seedlings appear first, then roots. This is when a large number of root nodules appear at the base of the leafstalk after inserting the leaves into the propagation material, followed by one or more buds, which then grow gradually. Once the seedlings reach a certain size, a small number of fibrous roots emerge from the base of the seedlings.
VII. Analysis of the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Two Germination Methods:
The advantage of the method where roots appear first is that the developed root system is beneficial for multiple seedlings because it can absorb some nutrients from the soil to maintain the growth of the seedlings, reducing the need to rely solely on the leaf's own nutrients, which is a form of protection for the leaf. The disadvantage is that if not managed well in the summer, with excessive water, if the roots rot before the seedlings emerge, there will be no harvest.
The advantage of the method where seedlings appear first is that even if the leaf rots, the seedlings that have already grown to a certain size can be preserved, so the impact of leaf rot is relatively small. The disadvantage is that since seedlings emerge first, in the absence of roots, the nutrients consumed almost entirely come from the leaf itself, speeding up the aging of the leaf and reducing the chances of subsequent seedling emergence.
It's difficult to truly clarify the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods. The main reason for these two situations is the humidity control of the leaf propagation bed. Higher humidity increases the probability of roots appearing first, while lower humidity, or even direct dry insertion, increases the chance of seedlings appearing first, but it's not absolute, most of the time it is like this.
The above sharing of the complete introduction to the leaf propagation of Haworthia (Haworthia) is for everyone to learn and understand!