What are the latest propagation methods for Xihuangcao (Isodon serra)?

Xihuangcao (Isodon serra) is a perennial herbaceous plant and a folk herbal medicine, commonly known as Tuhuanglian. It has the effects of clearing heat and draining dampness, reducing jaundice and dispelling dampness, and cooling the blood and dispersing blood stasis. It can treat acute icteric hepatitis, acute cholecystitis, enteritis and other conditions, with powerful medicinal effects. So do you know how Xihuangcao is propagated? Let's take a look together.

1. Seed propagation

Seed propagation is not only a common method of sowing. In autumn, pick the mature fruits, remove the flesh, and take out the seeds for later use. The sowing time is generally in spring when there is sufficient rain and the temperature rises, preferably around Qingming. Broadcast sowing or drill sowing can be used. For broadcast sowing, mix the seeds and fine sand at a ratio of 1:5-6, stir evenly, spread them evenly over the plot, then cover with a layer of fine soil, and cover the soil with grass to keep warm and moist. For drill sowing, open furrows on the ground, sow the seeds evenly into the furrows, then cover with soil and water. The water should be watered thoroughly and evenly. After emergence, combine intertillage and weeding with 1-2 applications of thin fertilizer water to promote seedling growth. When the seedlings grow 8-10 true leaves, they can be transplanted and planted.

2. Cutting propagation

Generally, tender branches are selected for cuttings. The cuttings can be taken from robust plants cut from a seed plot or field, cut into 10-15 cm lengths, with 3-4 small nodes retained on them. When taking cuttings, remove the basal leaves, keep 1-2 pairs of leaves at the top, and cut the lower end diagonally into a wedge shape. Soak the prepared cuttings in rooting powder for 5-10 minutes to increase the survival rate. Insert the cuttings diagonally into the seedbed, leaving one third or one quarter of the upper end exposed, cover with soil and press firm. After cutting, water thoroughly, then build a shade net, keep the soil moist, and roots will develop in about one week. They can be transplanted in half a month.

3. Division propagation

Division propagation refers to densely planting the creeping rhizomes harvested in the same year as a seed plot, taking good cold-proof and moisture-retaining measures, and allowing them to overwinter safely. After the following spring, many new tillering seedlings will grow from these creeping rhizomes. After separating these new seedlings from the mother plant, they can be replanted.

The above is an introduction to the propagation methods of Xihuangcao. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.