How to grow and propagate Bryophyllum pinnatum, and points to note
Bryophyllum pinnatum is a very common succulent plant, with thick fleshy leaves whose edges are covered with neat little buds, just like tiny butterflies. Bryophyllum pinnatum has extremely strong vitality, is also known as the "never-dying bird", and is very easy to grow. So let's take a look below with the editor at how Bryophyllum pinnatum is grown!
How to grow Bryophyllum pinnatum
Besides being able to "sow" the adventitious buds on its leaves, Bryophyllum pinnatum can also be propagated by leaf cuttings. The method is to lay the leaf flat on the growing medium, keeping the soil not too moist, and cut it apart after it has rooted; or cut the leaf into sections, let the cut ends dry in the shade, and then insert them into the medium. This method roots easily. This plant is highly adaptable and its cultivation and management are simple and rough.
For pot cultivation, a mixture of 3 parts leaf mold and 1 part sandy soil can be used as the growing medium. For newly potted young plants, pinch out the growing tips in time to promote branching; for older plants, whose stems become semi-lignified, lose their lower leaves, and are often crooked and unable to stand upright, reducing their ornamental value, they should be cut back short to make them sprout new branches. Normally, water only when the soil has dried out completely; there is no need to worry that it will die of drought. Fertilizing does not need to be too frequent, otherwise it will cause excessive growth and may even cause the plant to rot; applying fertilizer 1-2 times a month during the growing season is enough. In midsummer, provide slight shade; in the other seasons there should be ample light, otherwise the color of the leaf edges will disappear. After the autumn turns cool, reduce watering; after being brought indoors in winter, it can overwinter as long as the room temperature is kept above 0°C. But keep the potting soil slightly moist.
Points to note for Bryophyllum pinnatum
Bryophyllum pinnatum is highly adaptable and its cultivation and management are simple and rough. Applying fertilizer 1-2 times a month during the growing season is enough. In midsummer, provide slight shade; in the other seasons there should be ample light, otherwise the color of the leaf edges will disappear. After the autumn turns cool, reduce watering; after being brought indoors in winter, it can overwinter as long as the room temperature is kept above 0°C.
Propagation methods for Bryophyllum pinnatum
1. Cutting propagation. Bryophyllum pinnatum can be propagated by cuttings, and it is better to choose May or June for the cutting time. When taking cuttings of Bryophyllum pinnatum, you can choose robust leaves full of sap, remove them, then dry them in the sun for two or three days, and carry out the cutting after the wounds have healed. Lay the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum flat on sand so that they stick closely to the sand, and keep the sandy soil moist. One week after cutting, small buds can grow from the bottom of the rounded teeth on the leaf edges. Once the small plants have grown, cut them off and move them into pots.
Another cutting method for Bryophyllum pinnatum is stem cutting: cut off the tip shoots, about 8-10 cm long, and after they have dried, insert them into a sand bed; they will root after one week, and can be transplanted after two weeks.
2. Seed propagation. Bryophyllum pinnatum can be propagated from seed, but its seeds are rather small, so there is no need to cover them with soil after sowing. The germination rate of seed propagation for Bryophyllum pinnatum is relatively high, and it will generally sprout about 12-15 days after sowing.
The uses and value of Bryophyllum pinnatum
1. Ornamental value. Bryophyllum pinnatum has many varieties: broad-leaved, tiger-striped, small-leaved, with a great many kinds and diverse styles. Grown on a study windowsill or balcony, its leaves are thick and juicy and its colors are bright and lively, making it a very beautiful natural ornament.
2. The medicinal value of Bryophyllum pinnatum. The whole plant of Bryophyllum pinnatum can be used as medicine, with the remarkable effects of detoxifying and reducing swelling, promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, and drawing out toxins and promoting tissue regeneration. Fractures, burns and scalds can all be treated with it, with very good results. Being so attractive, it can also help you out on some unexpected occasions!
3. The horticultural value of Bryophyllum pinnatum. Bryophyllum pinnatum has a relatively large plant form, so it is suitable for planting in slightly spacious places such as a yard; its leaves are thick and large and can beautifully decorate a corner of the yard. Pair it with some shorter plants to create a jungle feel.
Bryophyllum pinnatum loves sunlight, grows very fast, and has tenacious vitality; it is a plant that can even grow well in desert wastelands. However, everyone should note that the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum will take root and propagate as soon as they fall to the ground, so it can easily spread out of control