Azalea Cutting Time and Method Explained in Detail, Beginners Can Do It at a Glance
Azalea, also known as yingshanhong, is a fairly common flowering plant in daily life. It has a long flowering period and high ornamental value, and is deeply loved by people. The most commonly used propagation method for azaleas is cuttings. Mastering the azalea cutting method can turn one pot of azaleas at home into many pots, with no need to buy seedlings at all. So how should azaleas be propagated by cuttings? Let's take a look together.
1. Cutting time
Choosing a suitable time for cuttings is the key to survival. Azalea cuttings are generally taken in late spring and early summer, but because there are many varieties, the chosen time also differs. Even when cuttings are taken at the same time point, the time when they sprout new buds also differs. But overall, the more suitable time points are late spring and early summer. Generally, Western azaleas are propagated by cuttings in late May, spring azaleas generally in early June, and Eastern azaleas and summer azaleas generally in mid-June.
2. Cutting processing
⟦NL>Selecting the cutting is the first step of propagation by cuttings. Generally, choose a robust plant with good growth and no pests or diseases as the mother plant, then select some well-growing semi-mature branches on the outer periphery near the top as cuttings. It is best to cut the cuttings on a cloudy day. Only about 3 leaves at the top need to be retained, and the rest of the leaves can be trimmed off. The length of the cutting should be about 10 cm. The lower cut is best made diagonally below the node. If the leaves are too long, we can also cut off half of them. Place the cut part of the trimmed branch into a diluted rooting powder solution to a depth of about 5 cm and soak for about 1 hour.
3. Cutting method
River sand can be used as the cutting medium, or river sand and peat soil can be mixed at a 1:1 ratio as the cutting medium, which also works very well. First prepare a bamboo stick about the same size as the cutting, poke holes in the cutting medium, then place the cutting into the holes, and press the surrounding medium firmly with your fingers. Finally, water thoroughly and place it in a cool, ventilated place. In low-temperature and low-humidity conditions, pay attention to covering it with a plastic bag to keep it warm and moist, which helps survival.
4. Later management
Half a month after cutting, you can see that the cutting has recovered to a normal leaf color state. At this time, it can be placed in a place with sufficient light for care, but be careful to avoid direct sunlight. One and a half months after cutting, new roots can grow. At this time, remove the covering film and ensure air circulation. After another month, the root system will grow very well, and then it can be potted.
The above is an introduction to azalea cutting time and methods. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.