How to propagate Tradescantia zebrina by cuttings? Do these four things well and it will easily fill the pot

Growing Techniques Jan 1, 1970 0 views

Tradescantia zebrina is loved for its unique leaves and stems, so some people want to grow a few more pots, and at that point they have to think about propagation. So how do you propagate Tradescantia zebrina? Here I will introduce two common and simple propagation methods for Tradescantia zebrina

How to propagate Tradescantia zebrina

Generally, there are three propagation methods for potted plants: cuttings, division and sowing. Because the seeds of Tradescantia zebrina are relatively hard to obtain, its propagation methods are slightly different. How do you propagate Tradescantia zebrina? The answer is two methods: cuttings and division. Below is a detailed look at these two propagation methods for Tradescantia zebrina.

Propagation methods for Tradescantia zebrina

1. How to take cuttings of Tradescantia zebrina

1. When to take cuttings

When using cuttings to propagate, the time should be chosen from early March to May each year, or from September to October, with a temperature of 18-25 degrees being suitable. Below 18 degrees, rooting will be difficult, while above 18 degrees the cut end is prone to rotting and infection, so choosing the right time is crucial.

2. Cutting the branches

Choose a robust main stem or side branch and cut it into sections 7-10 cm long. Each section should contain 2-4 nodes. Keep the upper terminal leaves and side leaves, cut off all other excess branches and leaves, then place them in a cool place for later use.

3. Taking the cuttings

The substrate can use river sand or vermiculite as the growing medium. If conditions allow, you can mix garden soil and leaf mold in equal halves. Insert the selected branches into the substrate, burying two to three nodes of the stem in the soil, then water appropriately.

4. Later management

After cutting, keep the soil moist and the air humidity at 75-85%. You can mist 1-3 times a day, and roots will generally form after 15 days. Once new shoots grow out, they can be transplanted, after which normal care can follow the growing methods and precautions for Tradescantia zebrina.

Note: During cutting propagation, be sure to control the temperature. Too low or too high a temperature will affect the success rate of cuttings. When misting, also avoid overdoing it, otherwise it can easily cause fungal infection.

2. Division of Tradescantia zebrina

1. When to divide

Usually division is done in spring from March to April. It is a relatively simple method with a high survival rate for Tradescantia zebrina, but the time must be chosen correctly. Late spring or early autumn are both fairly suitable times.

2. Specific operation

Choose a lush mother plant, take it out of the pot, cut off relatively thick rooted suckers, then plant them separately in prepared flower pots. Just be careful to keep the soil moist and the temperature suitable.

Note: Division propagation is relatively common. After taking out the mother plant, you can cut off rotten roots and dried leaves to prevent them from competing for nutrients in the potting soil after division, which allows rooting to happen faster.

How to propagate Tradescantia zebrina by cuttings

Cutting substrate for Tradescantia zebrina

Before selecting branches, first prepare the cutting substrate so the branches do not lose too much water. The cutting substrate, that is, the growing medium for Tradescantia zebrina, can use river sand, peat soil, etc., or can be made by mixing various nutrient soils. Before use, it is best to disinfect the soil to remove possible pathogens or insect eggs mixed in.

Selection of Tradescantia zebrina cuttings

Cut cuttings from robust mother branches. The length of the cuttings should be between five and eight cm, and each cutting should have three to five tender leaves to increase the survival rate of the cuttings.

Potting up Tradescantia zebrina

When potting up, there should be a drainage layer and fertilizer at the bottom of the pot. The general order is: first lay a layer of clay granules or coarse sand at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer, then lay a layer of growing medium containing fertilizer, and finally fill the pot to three-quarters full with the prepared cutting substrate and insert the cuttings into it.

Care for Tradescantia zebrina

After potting up, maintain suitable temperature (18 to 25 degrees Celsius is suitable), humidity (air humidity should reach at least 75%; if the air is dry, you can mist to increase air humidity) and sufficient light to ensure the cuttings root normally.

Tradescantia zebrina cutting propagation method: when to take cuttings of Tradescantia zebrina

The reason Tradescantia zebrina is so popular is not only its own lush leaves and the ornamental value brought by the small purple flowers it produces at maturity, but also that it is very easy to propagate and has very strong adaptability to the environment. Cutting propagation is relatively common among the propagation methods of many plants, and the propagation method of Tradescantia zebrina is also mainly by cuttings.

Cutting propagation method for Tradescantia zebrina

1. Cutting substrate for Tradescantia zebrina

2. Selection of Tradescantia zebrina cuttings

3. Potting up Tradescantia zebrina

4. Care for Tradescantia zebrina

When to take cuttings of Tradescantia zebrina

Tradescantia zebrina can be propagated throughout the year, but spring and autumn are best.

How to make Tradescantia zebrina bloom more

1. Ensure suitable light for Tradescantia zebrina

Tradescantia zebrina is a warmth-loving plant. During the growing period, Tradescantia zebrina must be ensured sufficient light so the plant grows dense and full leaves. If grown in a place with insufficient light and relatively dark conditions, it will cause the stems and leaves to become thin, scattered and irregular, and the leaves will be thin and unhealthy. Note that although Tradescantia zebrina needs bright light, it must not be exposed to direct harsh sun, as it easily loses water and wilts.

2. Suitable temperature for the growth of Tradescantia zebrina

Tradescantia zebrina is suitable for growing in a warm environment. Spring, summer and autumn are all its growing seasons. In winter, when temperatures are low, it grows slowly or directly enters dormancy, so when the winter temperature is below ten degrees, be careful to do good insulation work.

3. Watering conditions for Tradescantia zebrina

During the growing period of Tradescantia zebrina, it should not be watered too frequently. Keeping the potting soil slightly moist is enough, and this will make the leaves of Tradescantia zebrina more vivid. During the winter dormancy period, watering about once every half a month is basically enough to ensure its water absorption. Too much watering will cause root rot and plant death.

What to do if the leaves of Tradescantia zebrina become soft

1. Symptoms of soft leaves in Tradescantia zebrina

The leaves feel limp to the touch, seem to have no vitality at all, and bend downward, while normal leaves look spirited and full.

2. Causes of soft leaves in Tradescantia zebrina and solutions

1. Too little watering; after they become soft, increase the amount of watering. Tradescantia zebrina comes from the wetlands of Mexico, so when growing Tradescantia zebrina it needs a lot of water. If the soil is too dry, it easily causes the plant's leaves to become soft and yellow, and even the whole plant may wither. Especially during its growing period, it needs water about every day, has higher requirements for the moisture of the potting soil, and at the same time needs frequent misting of the plant to maintain humidity. But Tradescantia zebrina also has a dormancy period, and during dormancy, watering should be reduced.

2. Too little sunlight; if you notice it becoming soft, increase the time of sun exposure. Tradescantia zebrina likes to be exposed to sunlight, but if it is kept in a dark environment for a long time, it easily causes the plant to become leggy and the leaves to soften. A semi-shaded state is also acceptable. Even in winter it should be kept in a place where it can receive sunlight. If it cannot get sunlight all day, then make sure it grows in sunlight for a period every day. But note that in the hot summer, it should not be exposed to direct harsh sun.

3. In fact, when the air is too dry, it can also cause the leaves to become soft and yellow, and finally fall off. So when growing it, always maintain an appropriate amount of moisture.

Tradescantia zebrina is not only highly ornamental, but as a green plant it also has the function of absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which can freshen the air, making it very suitable for growing at home. However, Tradescantia zebrina is slightly toxic, so take care during cultivation to guard against it, especially with small children, to avoid accidental ingestion!