How to Propagate the Peace Tree: Cutting Propagation Methods for the Peace Tree

Propagation is the fundamental reason why all animals and plants continue to thrive endlessly, though generally speaking plants reproduce more rapidly, so plant populations tend to be larger as well. The diversification of reproductive methods is the fundamental reason for the rapid reproduction of plants. The peace tree (Cinnamomum kotoense), as a plant, does not rely on just a single method of reproduction either.

How to Propagate the Peace Tree

The peace tree can be propagated either by sowing seeds or by taking cuttings.

Cutting Propagation Methods for the Peace Tree

1. Preparation for Peace Tree Cutting Propagation

① Cutting Time

When taking cuttings from the peace tree, you can do so in spring or autumn, generally in April, May, September and October. At this time the temperature can be maintained between 22°C——28°C, which is relatively suitable for taking peace tree cuttings.

② Cutting Substrate

When taking peace tree cuttings, a flower pot or a nutrient pot is generally chosen as the cutting container, and the substrate can generally be mixed yourself. Mix vermiculite and peat together to serve as the cutting substrate. Before taking cuttings, it needs to be disinfected first.

2. Methods for Taking Peace Tree Cuttings

① Cuttings

When taking peace tree cuttings, you need to select suitable cuttings. Remove the robust branches of the current year's growth that have already become semi-lignified; the leaf color should be bright.

The removed cuttings can be cut into strips of about 15cm, generally retaining 2——3 leaves, with the rest cut off, and the lower end of the cutting should be cut into a slanted surface.

② Taking Cuttings

Before taking peace tree cuttings, you can first soak the cuttings in a rooting powder solution, and then take the cuttings. When taking cuttings, be careful not to insert them too deep or too shallow, and press them down gently with your fingers. Generally, one plant per nutrient pot is sufficient. After taking cuttings, water thoroughly, then cover with a plastic bag and place in a cool place for care.

3. Post-Cutting Care for the Peace Tree

After taking peace tree cuttings, the cutting substrate needs to be kept moist; you can water once every 4 days to maintain relatively high humidity. After about 20 days of growth, the plastic bag can be removed.

After taking peace tree cuttings, roots will form in about a month, and transplanting can be carried out. Transplant the young seedlings together with the substrate into a slightly larger flower pot, after which normal care can be carried out.

Seed Propagation of the Peace Tree

1. Sowing Time: For seed propagation of the peace tree, in South China you can sow from September to October using ripe purple-black fruits. After washing off the peel and flesh, float away the empty shriveled seeds, spread them out in a cool place to dry, and you can sow them as soon as they are collected.

2. Seed Treatment: If, due to poor weather or the nursery plot not yet being ready, peace tree seeds cannot be sown immediately, the seeds need to be stored in moist sand, placed in a cool place, and care taken to prevent the seeds from becoming moldy. After the seeds crack open and show white, sow them in the ground or in bags. For seeds that have not undergone sand storage to promote germination, before sowing they can be soaked in a 0.3% formalin solution for 30 minutes, pour off the excess liquid, seal for 2 hours, then rinse with clean water to wash off the liquid adhering to the seed coat, and immediately soak the seeds in clean water for 24 hours, which can increase their germination rate. If seed disinfection is not carried out, you can directly soak the seeds in warm water of about 40°C, which can also increase the germination rate.

3. Sowing Method: Usually mainly dibbling in furrows, with a row spacing of 20 cm to 25 cm, a plant spacing of 5 cm to 7 cm, and a soil covering thickness of 1.5 cm to 2 cm. Cover with rice straw to retain moisture, and germination can occur after 20 days to 30 days.

4. Post-Sowing Management: Keep the seedbed moist. After 1/3 of the seeds have emerged from the soil, remove the covering grass in 2 to 3 rounds, then immediately set up a shed for shading. When the seedlings have grown 3 to 4 true leaves, apply a liquid fertilizer once a month, stop applying after autumn, do a good job of cold protection, and overwinter at a shed room temperature of no lower than about 5°C. Because its plants have relatively few fibrous roots, transplanting should be carried out early, or sandbed germination promotion can be implemented, with sprouted seedlings transplanted into bags. In southern regions, bag sowing or bag cultivation to produce commercial seedlings has a very good effect.

The Uses of the Peace Tree

1. The peace tree has a purifying effect

Placing a peace tree in the home can purify the air, correct odors, and also absorb large amounts of dust from the air, filling the air with a fresh fragrance, so that after a busy day we feel a relaxed atmosphere when we return home.

2. The peace tree has a medicinal effect

The peace tree itself is a very good traditional Chinese medicine material, especially the roots and bark of the peace tree. The bark of the peace tree, when used as medicine, has the effect of dispelling wind-dampness and dispersing cold, and can relieve pain and resolve blood stasis, invigorate blood and strengthen the stomach. It has had an extremely important impact on our lives.

3. The peace tree has an ornamental effect

In recent years the peace tree has become a representative flowering plant for indoor ornamentation, and it has very good ornamental value.

In daily life it can be placed on the balcony, beside the sofa, or around the table, in a corner, and it can relieve people's nerves from tense work, eliminate fatigue, reduce stress, and make people feel relaxed and lively. It is also often used for garden cultivation and ornamental display.

4. The peace tree has a board material use

Custom boards mainly include plywood, blockboard, engineered wood, and building formwork; "customization" is a special feature of the peace tree.

The peace tree can be propagated both through normal sowing and by means of cuttings. These two methods each have their own advantages and characteristics, so everyone can choose according to their own needs. The peace tree is a plant with relatively comprehensive effects, and growing a peace tree is a very wise choice.