How to Propagate Camellias? Detailed Explanation of the Cutting Propagation Method

Camellia, also known as the camellia flower, is one of China's top ten famous flowers, with brilliant blooms, and is a well-known horticultural variety. So, how do you propagate camellias? What cutting methods are there for camellias? Let's find out together!

1. How to Propagate Camellias?

1. Breeding

Breeding and planting camellias is a fairly meticulous propagation method, yet it is an essential process for beginners. The soil must have high permeability, so fine sand needs to be added to the soil, with the amount of fine sand at about one third. Crush the soil, then mix it together, and soak the seeds for about 2 hours. If the seeds are fresh, they can be planted directly. Cover with about 3 cm of soil, water thoroughly, and wait for germination, which takes about one month. During this period, pay attention to watering.

2. Cuttings

Cutting is a method developed to address the uncertainty of early-stage breeding and to select better mother plants. The time is generally chosen around March or September. The selected mother plants are generally the batch with the best growth, which must have new sprouting buds and leaves and no history of disease. Cut them diagonally from the root node area, then place them in rooting powder for about 10 minutes to speed up rooting. After that, place them into prepared soil and press the soil firmly. This propagation method is more suitable for small and medium-sized growers.

3. Approach Grafting

First, select a high-quality mother plant, ideally one that is disease-free and has grown naturally to an extremely healthy state. Then, on its relatively sturdy branches, choose a position at the middle-upper level for approach grafting. Cut the joining surfaces of both to the same size, then bind the two tightly together and seal the joint. After they have fully joined, you can choose to cut and transplant again. Growers who plan to cultivate relatively precious camellias can choose this method to preserve the parts they want to keep.

2. Camellia Cutting Methods

1. Selecting Cuttings

Choose semi-lignified branches that have grown for more than 1 year from a robust, disease-free mother plant. The branches should be somewhat thick at both ends, which helps the branches root, and budding and growth are also relatively fast. If the selected branches are relatively thin and weak, not only will rooting be difficult, but growth may also be weaker. In addition, the cuttings should have 2-3 plump buds, which will quickly grow new branches and leaves after the cuttings survive, forming a new plant.

2. Using Rooting Powder

If camellia cuttings are inserted directly, the survival rate may be relatively low, so rooting powder is generally used during cutting, which can noticeably improve the survival rate of cuttings. Soak the bottom of the cuttings in rooting powder solution for 2-3 hours, and the rooting rate during cutting will be relatively high. In addition, the survival rate of cuttings is also related to the soil to some extent. Choose loose, breathable soil, and it is not advisable to use humus-rich soil, so as to avoid burning the new roots.

3. Cutting

Cuttings should be inserted as soon as they are cut, and they should not be inserted too deep. Generally, 3-5 cm into the soil is sufficient. In this way, in loose, breathable soil with high oxygen content, roots will form in a short time. However, if inserted too deep, the oxygen content is low, the wound is not easy to heal, and the cuttings may rot or become infected with bacteria and die. Because they are inserted relatively shallowly, after cutting, press the soil with your hands so that it closely connects with the cuttings, to prevent lodging and wobbling, which could cause cutting failure.

The above is the camellia propagation method and cutting method introduced to you by the editor. Do you understand them all now?