What propagation methods does the Camellia japonica have? This article explains it all
The propagation methods of Camellia japonica include: sowing, cutting, grafting, and tissue culture, mainly sowing and cutting. Below, the editor introduces the main propagation methods.
Cutting
Camellia japonica can be propagated by cutting. Cutting propagation is simple to operate and has a high survival rate, and it is currently the most commonly used propagation method.
1. Disinfect the seedbed substrate before cutting.
2. The best time for cutting is from late June to September.
3. The scion needs to be a semi-lignified branch of the current year, with a smooth cut, and should be disinfected. Keep the humidity inside the shed at 60%-80%, and the temperature at different 25 °C.
Sowing
Camellia japonica can also be propagated by sowing. Sowing propagation has a longer cycle, so patient and careful care is required. Sowing is generally carried out in spring each year, when the mild climate is more conducive to seed germination. For pot cultivation, the soil needs to be prepared in advance; for large-area sowing, the land needs to be prepared and fertilized in advance. Choose plump seeds, soak the seeds for — day, drain the water, and then plant. After planting is completed, it is necessary to control the light in the environment, keep the soil moist, and wait for the seeds to germinate.
Planting
For the planting pot, it is best to choose a 15-20 cm diameter clay pot with good water absorption and air permeability. In the south, mountain soil is mostly used for the potting soil, or a mixture of 4 parts leaf mold, 3 parts compost soil, and 3 parts sandy soil can be used. Do not use clayey or alkaline soil, and even more so, do not use calcareous soil.
Small plants should be repotted once every 1-2 years, medium plants every 2-3 years, and large plants every 4-5 years, generally after flowering or in September-October. When repotting, cut off leggy branches or dead branches and replace with fertile leaf mold. In addition, camellia roots are fragile, so care should be taken not to damage the root system when transplanting. After repotting in spring, there is no need to fertilize immediately. Try not to repot during the dormant periods of hot summer and severe winter.