What are the propagation methods for camellias? A detailed guide to common propagation methods
What propagation methods are there for camellias? Please give a detailed introduction. There are many propagation methods for camellias; both sexual and asexual propagation can be used, among which cutting and approach grafting are the most common. The following propagation methods are for reference: 1. Cutting method. This method is the simplest. The best time for cutting is September, and spring is also acceptable. Choose well-grown...
What propagation methods are there for camellias? Please give a detailed introduction
There are many propagation methods for camellias; both sexual and asexual propagation can be used, among which cutting and approach grafting are the most common. The following propagation methods are for reference:
1. Cutting method. This method is the simplest. The best time for cutting is September, and spring is also acceptable. Choose well-grown, semi-lignified branches, remove the lower leaves, 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 insertion; the wound heals in about 40 days, and roots form in about 60 days. When vermiculite is used as the cutting bed, roots emerge somewhat faster than in a sand bed.
2. Approach grafting method. Choose a suitable species such as oil tea as the rootstock, and approach graft a precious camellia onto it. The time for approach grafting is generally between Qingming Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. First plant the rootstock in a flower pot, and use a knife to cut away about half of the parts to be joined, keeping the cuts smooth. Then press the cut surfaces of both sides tightly together, wrap with plastic film, and water the rootstock twice a day; it will heal after 60 days. At this time it can be planted in the shade of trees, avoiding direct sunlight. In February of the following year, use a sharp knife to cut off the tail part of the rootstock, and choose a suitable location for final planting.
3. Leaf cutting method. Camellia propagation generally uses stem cuttings, but some precious varieties, due to limited sources of branches or because taking material would affect their tree shape, also use leaf cutting. Use mountain soil as the cutting medium, and mix in 1/3 river sand to improve aeration and drainage. Put the medium in a clay pot, then carry out pot cutting. Leaf cutting is best done in the rainy season. Take one-year-old leaves as leaf cutting material; too old and they are not easy to root, too tender and they rot easily. Insert about 2 cm into the soil, press the soil firmly after insertion, 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.
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