How to Propagate Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) by Cuttings? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Method

Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a flowering plant with high ornamental value, distributed throughout our country. It is generally more common in public places such as parks and botanical gardens, and is also very popular as a potted plant. When we grow crown of thorns, propagation work is very important. The most commonly used propagation method for crown of thorns is cuttings, so how should crown of thorns be propagated by cuttings? Below, the editor will give everyone a brief introduction, let's take a look together!

1. Cutting Time

When propagating crown of thorns by cuttings, the first thing to pay attention to is the cutting time. Although crown of thorns can be propagated by cuttings all year round, it is best to do it from April to June, because at this time temperature, humidity and other climatic factors are most suitable for crown of thorns. The cutting survival rate of crown of thorns is also the highest. If cuttings need to be taken in other seasons, then the temperature should be controlled within 15-30 degrees. Too high or too low a temperature will have a great impact on the growth of crown of thorns cuttings; too high can easily cause the cuttings to dry out and die from lack of water, while too low will prevent rooting.

2. Cutting Substrate

The choice of substrate is also very important for the growth of crown of thorns. Although crown of thorns cuttings are not very strict about the substrate, in order to improve their survival rate, we had best choose sandy soil with strong permeability and sufficient fertility. For example, coarse river sand, garden soil and so on are all acceptable. Before cutting, we should also disinfect the soil, letting the soil be exposed to the sun to kill bacteria in the substrate. It can also prevent the soil from being too sticky and heavy, which would affect the rooting of the cuttings. So everyone should pay more attention when choosing a substrate, with the aim of improving the survival rate of the cuttings.

3. Branch Selection

After completing the preparatory work before cutting, we then need to select the cutting branches of crown of thorns. Give priority to branches that are robust, without wounds and without disease. The branch length should be kept at about 10 cm, and each branch should retain about 3 leaf nodes. In this way, the cutting survival rate of crown of thorns can be further improved. After cutting off the branch, apply substances such as plant ash to the wound to avoid infection. Then apply rooting agent to the base, place it in a cool and ventilated place, and wait until the edge of the cutting wound is dry before carrying out the cutting.

4. Post-Cutting Management

After cutting, we should create a cool and ventilated environment for the cuttings. The cuttings must not be exposed to direct sunlight, and at the same time attention should be paid to controlling the amount of watering; water can be sprayed appropriately every day to maintain humidity. After about two weeks, the cuttings can grow fibrous roots and will gradually grow leaf buds. At this time, they can be appropriately transplanted, and then watered according to the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet; water must not accumulate in the soil. After the cuttings have established roots, fertilizer should be applied appropriately, mainly by applying more frequently in small amounts.

The above is a brief introduction to how to propagate crown of thorns by cuttings. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!