How to Propagate the Radermachera (China Doll)? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods

  The main propagation methods for the Radermachera are seed propagation, cutting propagation and layering propagation. High-quality Radermachera seedlings are mainly propagated from seed, generally using plug trays with about 50 cells, sowing 10—15 seeds per cell. When the seeds germinate, they usually do not need to be covered with anything. However, to ensure the humidity needed for germination, you can build a small arched tunnel over the plug tray with plastic sheeting to keep the humidity at around 90% while the seeds germinate. The substrate temperature is 22°C-23°C, and generally 50-60 days after sowing the seedlings can be potted up for cultivation.

  The Radermachera can also be propagated by cuttings. However, this method is generally rarely used. There are two reasons: first, propagating large numbers of seedlings by cuttings is not very economical; second, if seedlings from cuttings are used for a long time, there will be many uncertain factors in the seedlings' later growth, which will ultimately affect the consistency and stability of the traits of the finished flowering plants brought to market.

  The high-quality "Radermachera" seedlings popular on the flower market today are generally imported directly from abroad. Many people like the Radermachera but do not know how to propagate it, so today the editor will show you how to obtain a small potted Radermachera by the cutting method.

  Cutting time:

  Considering the temperature for root germination, cuttings are generally taken between March and April each year, when the ambient temperature reaches around 15°C, as this is favorable for root germination.

  Selection of cuttings:

  Select 1-year-old to 2-year-old woody branches, about 15 to 20 cm long, cut off all the leaves, and make the cut preferably 0.5 cm below a node. Insert the cuttings into a sandy loam seedbed, with the insertion depth about one-third to one-half of the cutting.

  Management after insertion:

  During the period when the cuttings heal and take root, spray water to keep the seedbed moist. After the cuttings have grown a complete root system, transplant them into pots with their soil balls, and afterwards carry out normal care according to the Radermachera's care methods.