Propagate crape myrtle this way, and one pot easily becomes many

The crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is very beautiful and has high ornamental value, so many people keep one at home. When it blooms, the flowers are clustered together and super beautiful. If you want to propagate crape myrtle, there are many methods, such as grafting, cuttings, layering. Cuttings are a very common method. Today I want to share with you my usual method for taking crape myrtle cuttings.

When taking crape myrtle cuttings, you can use either hardwood cuttings or softwood cuttings. Both methods can produce successful cuttings. So, friends who like taking cuttings can give them a try.

Taking hardwood cuttings of crape myrtle

So-called hardwood cuttings are actually cuttings taken from older branches. Hardwood cuttings are generally taken in March-April, when the branches have not yet sprouted. Choose a healthy branch that has been growing for a longer time, cut off about 15 cm, insert it into loose, airy soil with good drainage, then water it thoroughly, cover with plastic film and wait for it to take root and sprout.

When the new crape myrtle seedlings have grown to about 15-20 cm, remove the plastic film, provide appropriate shade, and then water and care for them appropriately.

Taking softwood cuttings of crape myrtle

Softwood cuttings of crape myrtle are generally taken during July-August, when the crape myrtle is growing vigorously and it is relatively easy to find healthy softwood branches on the plant. Trim the softwood branch to a length of 8-10 cm, preferably keeping 2-3 leaves on top, then insert the prepared softwood cutting into the prepared soil, water it thoroughly, and provide shade.

In about less than a month, around 20 days, the softwood cuttings will have taken root. At this point, provide appropriate shade and watering, and afterward just care for them normally.