How to propagate Xihuangcao? Detailed explanation of propagation methods
Xihuangcao (Isodon serra) is a perennial herbaceous plant and a folk herbal medicine, commonly known as Tuhuanglian. It has the effects of clearing heat and draining dampness, reducing jaundice and dispelling dampness, and cooling the blood and dispersing blood stasis. It can treat acute icteric hepatitis, acute cholecystitis, enteritis and other conditions, with powerful medicinal effects. So do you know how Xihuangcao is propagated? Let's take a look together.
1. Seed propagation
Seed propagation is not only a common method of sowing; in autumn, pick the mature fruits, remove the pulp, and take out the seeds for later use. The sowing time is generally in spring when there is sufficient rain and the temperature rises, preferably around Qingming. Broadcast sowing or drilling can be used. For broadcast sowing, mix the seeds and fine sand evenly at a ratio of 1:5-6, spread them evenly over the plot, then cover with a layer of fine soil, and then cover the soil with grass to keep it warm and moist. For drilling, open furrows on the ground, sow the seeds evenly into the furrows, then cover with soil and water, and the water should be thorough and even. For emergence, combine intertillage and weeding with 1-2 applications of dilute fertilizer water to promote seedling growth. When the seedlings grow 8-10 true leaves, they can be transplanted and planted out.
2. Cutting propagation
Generally, tender branches are selected for cuttings. The cuttings can be taken from branches on robust plants cut from a seed-production plot or the field, cut into lengths of 10-15 cm, with 3-4 nodes retained on them. When taking cuttings, remove the basal leaves, keep 1-2 pairs of leaves at the top, and cut the lower end diagonally into a wedge shape. Soak the prepared cuttings in rooting powder for 5-10 minutes to improve the survival rate. Insert the cuttings diagonally into the seedbed, with one-third or one-quarter of the upper end exposed, cover with soil and press firm. After cutting, water thoroughly, then build a shade net, keep the soil moist, and roots will develop in about one week. They can be transplanted in half a month.
3. Division propagation
Division propagation refers to densely planting the creeping rhizomes harvested that year as a seed-production plot, taking good measures to prevent cold and preserve moisture, so that they overwinter safely. After the following spring, many new tillering shoots will grow from these creeping rhizomes. After separating these new shoots from the mother plant, they can be replanted.
The above is an introduction to the propagation methods of Xihuangcao. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.