How to Propagate Stemona? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods
Stemona, also known as Baitiaogen, Jiuchonggen, and other names, is a perennial herbaceous plant. Its underground rhizome has the effects of moistening the lungs and relieving cough, killing insects and relieving itching, and is mainly used to treat chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and parasitic diseases. So how should Stemona be propagated? Let's take a look together.
1. Seed Propagation
① Seed Treatment
Stemona is a perennial herbaceous plant that generally needs to grow for 3 years before it flowers and fruits. Each year in autumn, from July to September, its aboveground stems and leaves begin to wither and turn yellow, and the fruit also changes from green to yellow-brown. When the seeds are nearly dark purple, they can be harvested. Seeds from flowers and fruits produced later will not mature. After harvesting the fruit, place it in a ventilated and dry place to dry for a few days. Once the outer shell of the fruit naturally cracks open, the seeds will fall out on their own. At this point, remove impurities, select the seeds, dry them, and store them for later use.
② Sowing and Raising Seedlings
Sowing can be divided into spring sowing or autumn sowing. According to the climatic conditions of the north and south, autumn sowing is generally used in the south, while spring sowing is used in the north. Spring sowing is carried out from March to April using the seedbed seedling method. On the seedbed, open furrows at a row spacing of 25 cm and sow in drills, with a furrow depth of 7-9 cm, and evenly scatter the seeds into the furrows. After sowing, apply diluted manure water, cover with fine soil, then cover with grass to keep warm and moist. Seedlings will emerge in about 15 days. After the seedlings emerge uniformly, remove the covering grass and carry out intertillage and weeding measures. Thin the seedlings according to the growth height of the young seedlings and time. Control the plant spacing at 2-3 cm and topdress in time. After one year of cultivation, they can be transplanted. Autumn sowing is carried out from September to October, and the method is the same as spring sowing. Seedlings emerge in the following spring and are transplanted in autumn.
2. Division Propagation
Division is asexual propagation. Each year after harvest, cut off the large rhizomes for medicinal use, and keep the small rhizomes as seed stock. Based on the number of root buds on the small rhizomes, divide them into hosts. Each plant must have 1-2 strong buds and also carry 2-3 small rhizomes. When planting, dig holes at a plant and row spacing of 25×25 cm, plant one plant per hole, with the root buds facing upward, and plant vertically. Do not plant obliquely or upside down. Autumn planting generally emerges in February of the following spring. About 15-20 days after emergence, the seedlings will emerge uniformly. At this time, strengthen seedling-stage management, and they can be transplanted in autumn.
The above is an introduction to the propagation methods of Stemona. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.