How to propagate Eustoma by cuttings? A detailed guide to the latest cutting method
Eustoma (Lisianthus) is very popular in our country, so its planting area is now very large as well. And when growing Eustoma, propagation work is indispensable. In fact, besides seed propagation, Eustoma can also be propagated by cuttings. But because many people use the wrong cutting method, the survival rate ends up rather low. So how exactly should Eustoma be propagated by cuttings? Today, the editor brings you the cutting method for Eustoma. Let's take a look!
1. Selecting the cuttings
Before propagating Eustoma by cuttings, we first need to select the cuttings well. The cuttings should be chosen from branches on the Eustoma plant with strong meristematic capacity; preferably, after the Eustoma has jointed, choose the stem below the heart leaf. The branches must be free of wounds, free of pests and diseases, and growing robustly. Do not choose overly tender stems, because tender stems have not yet fully matured. They also need a great deal of vegetative growth, which not only increases cultivation costs but also results in a relatively low survival rate. Therefore, the selection of cuttings is very important. If possible, it is best for the cutting to have only two leaves, as this will also give a higher survival rate.
2. Treating the cuttings
After selecting the cuttings, cut them diagonally into small sections. Each small section must retain one pair of leaves, and the diagonal cut is mainly to increase the area of meristematic tissue at the cutting site. Then cut off about 1/2 of the leaf blade on each small section to avoid consuming too many nutrients. Because at the time of just being cut, there are no roots, so there is no nutrient supply to speak of. The growth nutrients are all those stored in the cutting beforehand, so cutting off 1/2 of the leaf blade can reduce nutrient consumption and increase the rooting rate. However, note that the leaves must not be cut off entirely, otherwise the cutting cannot carry out photosynthesis, and the lack of nutrients will lead to failure of the cutting.
3. Preparing the substrate
The substrate for Eustoma is also very important; the cutting substrate directly determines the survival rate of the Eustoma cuttings. The cutting substrate should be kept in a slightly alkaline state, with the PH value controlled at around 6. It can be prepared with materials such as peat and vermiculite, then add some carbendazim for disinfection to avoid carrying pathogens that would affect the normal growth of the cuttings. Then before cutting, be sure to water the substrate appropriately so that it is in a moist state, which is also more conducive to the rooting of the cuttings.
4. Cutting method
Before cutting, first poke a few small holes in the cutting substrate, then place the cuttings in, and then firm the substrate and water. Then also cover it well with film, and poke a few small holes in the film to ensure its permeability. If growing in pots, then after cutting place it in a bright place with a not-too-high temperature; in winter and spring, shading is not necessary. After about ten days the film can be removed, and rooting occurs in about one month. When the new shoots on the above-ground part grow their fourth leaf, it can be transplanted and planted out for normal care.
The above is a brief introduction to the cutting method for Eustoma. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help everyone!