If you want to know how to propagate a desert rose and the related knowledge of propagation methods such as leaf propagation, here is a comprehensive introduction.
The desert rose is a succulent plant with particularly good ornamental value. Even when not flowering, its fat branches, coupled with the emerald leaves, are quite attractive. The bright large flowers are even more captivating when they bloom. Some enthusiasts want to propagate several pots of desert rose. Besides sowing, you can also choose to propagate through stem cutting.
The above is a comparison of the desert rose before and after propagation by cutting.
When the branches of the desert rose grow long enough, you can choose an appropriate season for pruning. The cut branches can be used for propagation, and after about half a year to a year, these newly propagated branches will basically grow into healthy potted plants.
Before propagation, it is important to understand a few points: as a succulent plant, the cut branches must be dried before they can be planted in the potting soil.
Also, propagation should be done in the appropriate season, preferably in spring and autumn. If it's warm in winter, propagation can continue in that season.
1. Pruning branches
When propagating desert rose through cutting, it's important to try several times and prepare several branches to ensure successful propagation.
The best temperature for propagation is between 18-25 degrees. It's also important to choose clean, breathable, and nutrient-free soil for propagation.
The cut branches of the desert rose should be about 9-12 centimeters long, and a small amount of leaves can be left on the top of the cut branches. If the leaves are large, cut off 3/4 of the leaves to reduce water loss.
Before cutting, prepare a sharp and clean knife or scissors and antiseptic medicine such as carbendazim or potassium permanganate solution.
2. Container and soil
The propagation container should not be too large and should have several drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
For propagation, the soil is usually a mixture of common peat soil, perlite, and particle soil in a ratio of 5:3:2. Choose small particles for the particle soil, such as common wheat stone, red jade soil,鹿沼土 (Deer Swamp soil), coarse sand, or volcanic rock.
3. Drying the wound
After cutting the branches of the desert rose, apply some antiseptic medicine or soak in potassium permanganate solution for about ten minutes, then place them in a well-ventilated and shaded area to dry the wound for about 3-4 days.
Before propagation, you can feel the bottom of the wound. If it feels hard and not soft, it can be propagated.
4. Propagation techniques
Spray a little water on the soil first, just a bit of moisture, not too wet. Insert the desert rose branches into the soil and place them in a well-ventilated and well-lit area. Do not expose them to direct sunlight initially, and cut off some leaves to reduce water evaporation.