How to propagate Camellia reticulata? These propagation key points you need to master

Camellia reticulata can be grown in pots or in the open ground, but during cultivation it needs a certain temperature difference. South of the Huaihe River, Camellia reticulata can overwinter naturally and generally tolerates low temperatures of -8°C. Artificial propagation of Camellia reticulata can be done by sowing seeds and grafting.

Camellia reticulata

Camellia reticulata is generally propagated by seed and by the approach grafting method. Collect the fruit in autumn, dry it in the shade. The seeds are juicy and oily, with a short lifespan; after being taken out they should be sown immediately in mountain afforestation land, with a spacing of 1*1 m between plants and rows, sowing 2--3 seeds per hole, until they sprout the following spring, with strengthened tending and management. Or store the seeds in moist sand and sow them in a seedbed in early spring of the next year; they sprout in about 20 days, and when the seedlings are 20--30 cm tall, they are transplanted to the mountain in the rainy season of May--June. The approach grafting method is carried out between April--May, using Camellia japonica (detailed introduction) as the rootstock and approach grafting it with Camellia reticulata; it heals in about 100 days, and then the lower end of the Camellia reticulata scion can be cut from the mother tree, forming a new plant. Cuttings can also survive, but the survival rate is low. Tissue culture can also be tried to propagate superior clones.

Key points for cultivating Camellia reticulata

Camellia reticulata originates from Yunnan, China, and has many varieties. It can be said to be a rather distinctive ornamental flowering plant among the various red-flowered camellias produced in Yunnan. Camellia reticulata resembles Camellia heterophylla; its difference from that species lies in the leaf base being rounded, the tip slightly blunt, the flowers double, and the stamens reduced. It is only a cultivated variety. What issues should be noted when growing Camellia reticulata in pots? The editor will summarize them for you.

Camellia reticulata

For potted Camellia reticulata, different flower pots can be matched according to the different growth vigor of the seedlings. When potting, first place 2-3 pieces of tile over the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Spread a layer of coarse broken soil or ceramsite on top, then add bone material base fertilizer such as sheep and cattle horn fragments; the base fertilizer layer generally does not exceed one third of the pot height. On top of the base fertilizer layer, add organic fertilizer such as decomposed pig manure. Finally, add fine red soil to cover it. When planting the plant, avoid the root system directly contacting the organic fertilizer. Place medium-grained soil mixed with leaf mold and bone material around the root system, tamp the soil firmly, then cover with fine soil mixed with leaf mold soil, and spread broken tiles on the topmost layer as a protective soil layer. Potted plants need to be repotted once every 2-3 years, and the repotting time is best when the new branches have lignified and slightly turned brown. Repotting too late will affect flower bud differentiation, while too early will affect the growth and development of new branches. Stop watering 1-3 days before repotting to dry the pot soil. This makes it easier to "remove the plant from the pot." When removing the plant from the pot, try to keep the root ball intact as much as possible. And remove pests at the bottom as well as rotten roots and diseased roots. The pot pH is better at about 5-5.5.

The most suitable growth and development temperature for Camellia reticulata is 18-24°C. Above 32°C, growth is inhibited; below -5°C, frost damage occurs. Different varieties of Camellia reticulata differ in their resistance to low temperatures. For example, Maye Taohong, Mudan Cha, Hentiangao, Tongzimian and others are especially not cold-tolerant. At 0°C the flower buds will drop, so corresponding cooling and freeze protection measures should be taken during cultivation.

For potted Camellia reticulata, the soil should maintain a certain humidity. In practice, people often tap the pot wall with a finger; when the soil is dry the sound is crisper, and when the soil is wet the sound is duller and more solid. Watering time is determined according to temperature changes. In seasons with high temperatures, water in the morning or afternoon when the temperature is lower. For field-planted Camellia reticulata, special attention should be paid to watering after planting to settle the roots and before flowering; during the new shoot growth period there must be sufficient water supply. At other times, irrigate according to different weather conditions. In the dry season, irrigate 2-3 times a month, preferably soaking through the plow layer.

Complete guide to Camellia reticulata propagation methods: Camellia reticulata benefits and effects

Camellia reticulata has dense shade, broad leaves, huge flowers, and many varieties, and is cultivated relatively widely in the Yunnan region."Camellia reticulata cultivation methods"Everyone already understands, so how is Camellia reticulata propagated? What benefits and effects does it have? Let's learn about it together next.

I. Complete guide to Camellia reticulata propagation methods

1. Cutting method: This method is the simplest. The best time for cuttings is September, and spring is also acceptable. Choose well-grown, semi-lignified branches, remove the leaves at the base, keep the upper 3 leaves, and cut a slanted opening with a sharp knife. Soak in 200 ppm to 500 ppm indolebutyric acid for 5 to 15 minutes, dry in the sun, then insert into a sand pot or vermiculite pot. Water after inserting. The wound heals in about 40 days, and roots form in about 60 days.

2. Approach grafting method: Choose a suitable variety such as Camellia oleifera as the rootstock, and approach graft a precious camellia onto it. The approach grafting time is generally between Qingming Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. First plant the rootstock in a flower pot, use a knife to shave off about half at the parts to be joined respectively, and the cut surfaces must be smooth. Then fit the cut surfaces of both sides closely together, wrap with plastic film, water the rootstock twice a day, and it will heal after 60 days. At this time it can be planted under tree shade, avoiding direct sunlight.

3. Leaf cutting method: Use mountain soil as the cutting substrate, and mix in one third river sand to facilitate aeration and drainage. Put the substrate in a clay pot, then carry out pot cutting. Leaf cuttings are best done in the rainy season. Take one-year-old leaves as leaf cutting material; leaves that are too old are not easy to root, and those too tender are prone to rot. Insert about 2 cm into the soil, press the soil firmly after inserting, water thoroughly, then place in a cool and ventilated place. Generally roots can develop in 3 months, and in the spring of the second year they can sprout and send out branches.

II. Benefits and effects of Camellia reticulata

1. Medicinal benefits of Camellia reticulata: The seeds of Camellia reticulata have a very high oil content, so they can be used for food. They have very notable benefits and extremely high nutritional value, and are very good for our health. They are edible and have superior medicinal and nutritional quality compared with other edible oils. Their effect on human health is far higher than ordinary edible oils. Drinking Camellia reticulata regularly can safeguard our health.

2. Ornamental value of Camellia reticulata: Speaking of Camellia reticulata, we must mention its appearance. The reason a good tea can attract us is not only its good-tasting flavor; the delicate texture of its appearance is also indispensable. As an outstanding example among these, Camellia reticulata can naturally attract us to carefully appreciate it. The lingering delicate fragrance within can only be understood, not expressed in words; everything is left for everyone to taste for themselves.

The above isCamellia reticulata propagation methodsand an introduction to the benefits and effects of Camellia reticulata. Camellia reticulata not only has good ornamental effect, but also has very good medicinal benefits.