What are the propagation methods for the Ardisia crenata bonsai?

  As a rising star in the large family of flowers, Ardisia crenata has long been a fashionable auspicious flower for Christmas, New Year's Day, the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, deeply loved for filling homes with prosperity, and at the Kunming Expo and the Cross-Strait Flower Expo it won the highest award in the fruit-ornamental flower category, and was called by authoritative flower experts “the anticipated product that will in the future overwhelm kumquat, the fruit-ornamental flower product with the largest domestic sales”. It is generally propagated by two methods: sowing or cuttings.

  Sowing:

  The seed coat of Ardisia crenata is hard, making it difficult for the seed to absorb water and germinate, so before sowing it should be rubbed and then soaked in warm water for one day, and then sown in holes or broadcast in a seedbed with loose soil. After sowing, cover with a layer of yellow earth as a covering and keep it moist. Sowing should be done when the temperature rises above 25°C and the temperature difference between morning and evening is small. It can take root and sprout in about 30 days.

  Cuttings:

  Late May to mid-June or late August to early September is the best time for cuttings. This is because the temperature at this time is around 25°C to 30°C, which is most suitable for plant growth. For the selection of cuttings, generally choose healthy, pest-free current-year semi-lignified and one-year-old branches that still have leaves as cuttings. Generally they can bloom and bear fruit the following year. Pay attention to the chemical treatment of the cut wound on the cutting; after trimming, it can be dipped moderately in rooting hormone, such as vitamin B1 or vitamin B12. The cutting medium can use rice-hull ash or sandy soil. After cutting, pay attention to watering and misting. Generally water 1 to 2 times a day; the water must not be excessive, just keep the seedbed in a moist state.