How to propagate蟹爪兰 (Schlumbergera truncata)
Today's article will provide a detailed explanation on how to propagate蟹爪兰 and the timing and methods for planting green plants and flowers. If there are any mistakes, please feel free to correct them!
蟹爪兰 is a plant belonging to the Cactaceae family, just like the well-known cacti, such as仙人球 (Echinopsis), 仙人掌 (Opuntia), and 令箭荷花 (Disocactus). They all share similar characteristics, but there is one distinct difference between 蟹爪兰 and other cacti: it enters dormancy in the summer, while most other cacti grow rapidly in the summer and are heat-resistant. However, once summer arrives, 蟹爪兰 will enter a dormant state. When propagating 蟹爪兰, it's essential to consider the best time for the highest survival rate.
The best season for propagating 蟹爪兰 is actually spring. After 蟹爪兰 finishes blooming in spring, we can trim the branches, and even if the branches are wilted, a single leaf inserted into the soil will root easily. This is because the temperature in spring is not too high, making it suitable for 蟹爪兰 to grow. Trimming the branches after flowering helps the remaining branches recover quickly and sprout new buds. The trimmed branches will rapidly develop roots from the bottom, and once the roots are established, the leaf will recover and become full, then quickly grow new buds.
In the summer, the high temperature and lack of ventilation cause 蟹爪兰 to enter a dormant stage and not grow. If you propagate during this time and leave only a couple of leaves, they can easily wilt and rot. Therefore, summer is not suitable for propagating 蟹爪兰. Autumn is also a growing season for 蟹爪兰, but the growing period is short because the days get shorter and the light becomes suitable, leading to the formation of flower buds at the top of the plant. The growing period is about a month at most. If you propagate in autumn, the plant will quickly develop roots, but since the roots are not well-developed, the nutrients absorbed will be used to produce new flower buds, which consume a lot of energy, ultimately leading to weak leaves and undeveloped roots, and a long period of no growth.
Winter is also a flowering season for 蟹爪兰, but the low temperature results in slow growth. Although it can survive, the survival rate is affected. Therefore, the best season for propagating 蟹爪兰 is spring. Autumn is also suitable, but the plant may flower immediately after propagation. If you propagate in winter, the low temperature is not recommended, and the high summer temperatures when the plant is dormant are even less suitable.
How to propagate 蟹爪兰
How to propagate 蟹爪兰? Propagating 蟹爪兰 is very simple. First, select healthy, full leaves and place them in a cool, well-ventilated area to dry for 1-2 days, allowing the bottom of the wound to dry. Then, insert it into moist soil, making sure the soil is loose, breathable, and free of fungi. When watering for the first time, add some mycostatin to the water and water thoroughly. Place it in a scattered light environment. As long as the wound is dry, it will take no more than a week for the roots to grow gradually. After the roots appear, the leaf will gradually become full and start growing. Then, we can provide it with normal sunlight, watering, and fertilizing.
The above is [www.lvzhimi.com]'s explanation on how to propagate 蟹爪兰 and the timing and methods for propagation, hoping to bring a bit of help to your life!