What are the propagation methods for gardenia bonsai?

  The cultivation of gardenia bonsai is mainly based on cuttings propagation, but layering, division or seed propagation can also be used. For cuttings, in March-April use 1-2 year old robust branches as cuttings, 10-12 cm long, with the lower end cut at a node, the upper part with 1-2 pairs of leaves, inserted to a depth of 23, after insertion water thoroughly, and keep a certain humidity regularly, roots can form in April-May. In the plum rain season, use softwood cuttings, 8-10 cm long, keeping 2 pairs of leaves on the upper part, when inserting treat the cut with 0.0025-0.005% indoleacetic acid or 2,4-D, which can promote the formation of callus tissue and increase the survival rate to over 90%. After cutting, a shade frame needs to be set up.

  In the south, a water-cutting method is used for propagation, using current-year soft branches, 12-15 cm long, soaked in clean water for 12, changing the water once a day, placed in half shade, after about 20 days new roots can grow. Layering propagation is carried out in March-April, generally using branches of 3 year old robust mother trees, trenching and burying them in the soil, roots can form in about 30 days, and they are divided and planted in the following spring.

  Gardenia is mainly propagated by cuttings, but can also be propagated by layering, division and sowing.

  1. Cuttings propagation

  In May-June select semi-lignified, well-developed soft branches, cut into 10-15 cm lengths, soak the base in 1000 mg/kg naphthalene acetic acid for 3-5 seconds, insert into acidic soil with strong water and fertilizer retention, generally a mix of 3 parts leaf mold or mountain soil and 1 part sawdust, peat or river sand can be used, roots can form about 1 month after insertion, and they can be transplanted after 50 days.

  In the south, the water-cutting method is often used in summer, carried out from April to July, that is, the cut 10-15 cm long cuttings with 2-3 leaves kept on the upper part are inserted into a woven basket lid or a perforated plastic board, and the lid or plastic board is floated on the water surface, with the upper part of the cuttings exposed above the water. After insertion, place in half shade, keep the water temperature at 16-18°C, new roots can grow in 20 days. When the temperature is high, change the water frequently, once a day, and do not let the water deteriorate. When the roots grow to 2-3 cm, they can be transplanted.

  2. Layering propagation

  Mostly carried out in May-June. Select 1-2 year old robust branches, 25-30 cm long, press them into the soil 3-5 cm, roots can form in about 1 month, and they can be cut from the mother plant after 2 months. Air layering can also be used, that is, on an adult gardenia, select 2-3 year old robust branches, girdle 1-2 cm, then wrap with moist peat, tie tightly on the outside with a plastic bag, keep the soil moist, new roots can grow in about 40 days, and cut from the mother plant after 2-3 months.

  3. Division propagation

  In May, if the base of the root has 2-3 branches growing together, cut them apart from the root with a knife, each division has fine roots, apply plant ash to the wound, and plant separately.