Crape Myrtle Cutting Tips: Root Quickly and Grow into a Full Pot with Ease

Crape myrtle is very beautiful and has high ornamental value, so many people keep a pot of it at home. When it blooms, the flowers cluster together and look gorgeous. If you want to propagate crape myrtle, there are many methods, such as grafting, cuttings, and layering. Cuttings are a very common method. Today I want to share with you how I usually take 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 Crape Myrtle Cuttings from Hardwood

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

Later, 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 as needed.

Taking Crape Myrtle Cuttings from Softwood

Softwood crape myrtle cuttings are generally taken during July to August. At this time, 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 branch into the prepared soil, water it thoroughly, and provide shade.

In about 20 days, less than a month, the softwood cuttings can take root. At this point, provide appropriate shade and watering, and after that, normal care is all that is needed.