How to Propagate Michelia alba? Detailed Guide to 3 Propagation Methods
Michelia alba is a common flowering potted plant with a relatively large market in China. Moreover, Michelia alba has a very wide range of uses; it not only has ornamental value but is also widely used in industries such as spices and building materials. Therefore, as demand grows, its planting area continues to expand, and yield requirements are also getting higher and higher. So what propagation methods does Michelia alba have? Let's take a look together with the editor below!
1. Grafting propagation
Grafting propagation is the most commonly used propagation method for Michelia alba. First, select a magnolia of about 5 mm as the rootstock, then do a good job of cultivating the rootstock to improve the grafting survival rate. Then select a branch about one year old from the mother plant as the scion. Then cut a slanted grafting notch on the rootstock, making sure the cut is smooth enough. Then cut a notch on the scion of the same size as the rootstock, align them, and wrap them well with grafting film to prevent water seepage from affecting the healing of the joint. Then do a good job of management, keeping the soil moist and preventing direct sunlight.
2. Layering propagation
Layering propagation should be carried out before the beginning of the dog days of summer. First, select a tender branch that develops normally, has no wounds, and is free of pests and diseases, and control its length at about 1.8 cm. Then dig a small trench at the base of the plant, perform girdling on the branch, being careful not to damage the xylem. Then apply an appropriate amount of rooting agent to the girdled part to promote rooting. Then cover the girdled part tightly with moist soil, wrap a layer of plastic film on the outside, and tie it tightly. The main thing is to ensure the soil is moist enough; under normal management, roots will generally form around May of the following year.
3. Seed propagation
Michelia alba can also be propagated by the seed propagation method. Harvest the seeds after they mature each year; when the seeds are found to gradually crack open and turn red in color, it means the seeds are gradually maturing. Then store the seeds in sand and sow them in the spring of the following year. When sowing, pay attention to doing a good job of disinfection and germination acceleration to improve the seed germination rate and survival rate. After sowing, germination begins in about 4 weeks, but if the germination time is longer, it may take about two months. When the seedlings grow to about 10 cm with 5 true leaves, transplant them; the transplanting time should be chosen in the evening when the temperature is suitable.
The above is a brief introduction to the propagation methods of Michelia alba. Michelia alba is not suitable for cutting propagation, because the survival rate of Michelia alba cuttings is very low. We should reasonably choose the propagation method according to our own conditions, the growing environment, and other actual situations. That is all for today's introduction; this article is for reference only, and we hope it can be helpful to everyone!