What are the latest propagation methods for Chonglou (Paris polyphylla)?
Chonglou is the dried rhizome of the Liliaceae plant Yunnan Chonglou (Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis) or Qiyeyizhihua (Paris polyphylla), with effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, and cooling the liver and calming convulsions. It has high planting prospects. The propagation methods generally include seed propagation and rhizome propagation. Let us take a look at the propagation methods of Chonglou together!
Growth Habits of Chonglou
Chonglou grows on hillside under forests and in shaded, moist places in thickets, and grows under forests at an altitude of 1800-3200 m. It likes warmth, humidity, and shade, but is also cold-resistant and drought-tolerant, and fears frost and direct sunlight. It is planted in sandy soil and loam soil with an average annual temperature of 13-18 degrees C and higher organic matter and humus content, especially suitable for planting by riversides, near bamboo groves, and on shady hills.
Rhizome Propagation of Chonglou
Chonglou cultivation is mainly based on rhizome propagation. Rhizome propagation is simple and easy to use, with an extremely high survival rate of over 90%, and it can be planted year-round. Use complete rhizomes with buds (which can flower and set seed in the same year) or residual shoots with germination ability, cut them into small sections, air-dry them properly after cutting and mix with plant ash, sow them in furrows at a plant spacing of 10-30 cm x a row spacing of 30-50 cm, cover with no more than 3-5 cm of soil, and cover the surface with dead leaves or plastic film, which can play a role in moisturizing and protecting the buds. March to June each year is the sprouting period of Chonglou.
Seed Propagation of Chonglou
The seeds of Chonglou have obvious after-ripening. The embryo needs to complete dormancy before it can germinate. Under natural conditions, it takes two winters before it can emerge and become a seedling, and the emergence rate is relatively low. The seeds mostly mature from September to December. Sow them immediately after harvesting. In August of the second year, a small number emerge, and most seedlings do not grow until after May of the third year. Seedlings bred from seeds grow slowly, and the emergence rate is extremely low. After 3 years, when Yunnan Chonglou seedlings have formed obvious rhizomes, they can be transplanted. Generally, seed propagation can be harvested in 5-8 years.