What are the propagation methods for the jade plant? A detailed guide to common propagation techniques
The jade plant (Crassula ovata) can be propagated by leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, layering, air layering and beheading. Among these, beheading can be done all year round; simply let the wound dry, then insert the cutting into slightly moist soil and wait for roots to form. Below is a brief introduction to the operation of these propagation methods.
An introduction to the propagation methods for the jade plant
1. Leaf cuttings
Find a healthy, growing plant and twist off the mature leaves from its middle and lower parts. Do not use too much force, to avoid injuring the plant. Prepare a pot of sandy soil and insert the leaves into it; do not water immediately. You can also let the leaves dry for a few days and insert them once the wounds have dried. Afterwards, keep them in a cool, shaded place and avoid strong light.
2. Stem cuttings
Cut healthy, thick stems as cuttings; before cutting, first remove the lower leaves. After cutting, wait until the wound shrinks before inserting the cutting, which effectively prevents stem rot during rooting. If rot appears at the base, cut away the rotten part and let it dry before inserting again. The best time for cuttings is spring and autumn, avoiding the damp, muggy dog days and the cold, low-temperature winter.
3. Layering and air layering
This is a method that uses the aerial roots growing on the mother plant's stem to come into contact with soil; it is a safe and fast way to form a new plant and can be used for small-scale home propagation. You can use the currently popular seedling blocks for air layering. The method is to soak the seedling block in water, then cut it open without cutting it fully through, and wrap it around the part that has aerial roots. Wrap it well and tie it firmly with a dark or black plastic bag, which helps keep it warm, absorb heat and prevent sunlight from burning the roots; use a syringe to add water. To prevent it from being top-heavy, you can set up a support for protection; when adding water later, just add a small amount of diluted liquid fertilizer. Generally, it can be separated from the mother plant in 2 to 3 months; separate it once you observe roots exposed outside, and coat the cut with sulfur powder, plant ash or cigarette ash.