How to propagate Phlox? Introduction to the latest propagation methods
Phlox is native to Mexico and is cultivated in gardens all over China, mostly as potted plants for setting up flower beds in early spring. Its flower colors include light red, deep red, purple, white, light yellow and others, with bright colors and high ornamental value. So do you know how it is propagated? Let's take a look together below.
1. Division propagation
Division propagation of Phlox is generally carried out in early spring or autumn. The division method is relatively simple to perform and the plants establish quickly, but it is not suitable for large-scale propagation and is generally used mostly for household potted plants. Division propagation takes advantage of the strong ability of Phlox's perennial roots and root suckers to divide and grow; during growth it very easily sprouts root suckers, so the sucker shoots around the mother plant can be dug out and planted elsewhere at a low position, and before long it will be a new sucker shoot dug out and planted. Note that the sucker shoots should be kept with complete root systems as much as possible to increase the survival rate.
2. Layering propagation
Layering propagation can be carried out in the three seasons of spring, summer and autumn; as long as it is not winter, it is fine. Layering propagation can be further divided into mound layering and ordinary layering, and you can choose freely according to your needs. With mound layering, soil is mounded up around the base of the plant into a steamed-bun shape, and after it roots it can be separated and planted; ordinary layering, on the other hand, takes 1-2 year old branches close to the ground, buries their lower part completely in the soil, and leaves the upper end of the branch exposed above the ground. When layering, first cut open the part of the branch buried in the soil, which helps rooting. Generally after about one month, once roots have formed, it can be separated from the mother plant and replanted.
3. Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation of Phlox is the most widely used of all propagation methods and has the highest survival rate. It can be further divided into three propagation methods: root cuttings, stem cuttings and leaf cuttings. First is the root cutting method, which can be carried out in spring and autumn, often combined with division planting. First cut part of the roots into small sections of about 30 cm, bury them flat in sand, keep the ambient temperature between 15-20 degrees, and at the same time keep the soil moist; in about one month new shoots will grow. Next is the stem cutting method, which can be carried out in the three seasons of spring, summer and autumn, generally after flowering. It is suitable for large-scale production. After flowering, combined with pruning and pinching, take fully grown branches, cut 3 to 5 cm long cuttings, insert them into clean, sterile plain sand with a plant-to-row spacing of 2 to 3 cm, and just keep the soil moist; roots can form in about 30 days. In summer, pay attention to disinfection to prevent the cuttings from rotting. The last one is the leaf cutting method, generally carried out in summer. Take leaves with axillary buds, with 2 cm of stem attached, insert them into clean, sterile plain sand, pay attention to shading, and keep the soil moist; roots can form in about 30 days.
The above is an introduction to how Phlox is propagated. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.