How to propagate camellias by cuttings? Master these steps for a high survival rate
Camellia flowers are large and gorgeous with extremely high ornamental value. Many people grow them in daily life, and they are widely used in landscaping. When growing camellias, you can propagate them by cuttings, which is convenient and quick with a fairly high survival rate. So how exactly do you do it? Let's take a look at the detailed guide to camellia cutting propagation.
1. Cutting time
Camellias can be propagated by cuttings all year round, but the most suitable times are spring and autumn, and the best time within spring and autumn is autumn, that is, August to September. This is because in spring, camellia budding and new shoot growth consumes a large amount of nutrients from the plant, so the cuttings lack sufficient nutrients, which is not conducive to rooting. In autumn, the branches have already grown to a semi-lignified state with sufficient nutrients, making rooting very easy. So friends who want to grow camellias should choose autumn when carrying out cutting propagation.
2. Selecting cuttings
Choose semi-lignified branches that have grown for more than 1 year from a robust, disease-free mother plant. The branches should be somewhat thick and strong at the base, which helps the branches root and also makes sprouting and growth faster. If the selected branches are relatively thin and weak, not only is rooting difficult, but growth may also be weaker. In addition, the cuttings should have 2-3 plump buds, which will quickly grow new branches and leaves after the cuttings take root, forming a new plant.
3. Using rooting powder
If camellia cuttings are planted directly, the survival rate may be relatively low, so rooting powder is generally used during cutting, which can significantly improve the survival rate. Soak the base of the cuttings in a rooting powder solution for 2-3 hours, and the rooting rate during cutting will be relatively high. In addition, the survival rate of cuttings is also related to the soil. Choose loose, breathable soil, and avoid soil rich in humus, so as not to burn the new roots.
4. Cutting
Cuttings should be inserted as soon as they are cut. When inserting, do not plant too deep; generally 3-5 cm into the soil is enough. In loose, breathable soil with high oxygen content, roots will form in a short time. But if inserted too deep, oxygen content is low, the wound is slow to heal, and the cuttings may rot or become infected with bacteria and die. Because they are inserted relatively shallow, after cutting press the soil with your hands so that it fits tightly around the cuttings, to prevent them from falling over or wobbling.
The above is an introduction to how to propagate camellias by cuttings. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.