How is the white magnolia (Michelia alba) propagated? A detailed introduction to common propagation methods

Due to climate and other factors, the white magnolia cannot set fruit and produce seeds in our country. In addition, the white magnolia has weak regeneration ability, and its branches do not readily produce adventitious roots. Therefore, we cannot propagate it by sowing or cuttings. Usually, the propagation of the white magnolia mostly uses the approach grafting and high-branch layering methods.

Approach grafting generally uses Magnolia (also called purple magnolia or wooden pen) as the rootstock, and is carried out during the plum rain season in June-July. Both the rootstock and the scion should be about 1 cm thick, each cut through the bark layer and xylem by about 4-5 cm, and the cut surfaces should be smooth. After the two are brought close together and joined, they are tied tightly with hemp rope and plastic film. After about 2-3 months, cut off the upper part of the magnolia and the lower part of the white magnolia scion, and leave about 6-9 cm below the white magnolia scion from the joint, then bury it in soil so that the scion also roots. This seedling that also makes the scion root is called a double-footed white magnolia, which grows well and lives long.

High-branch layering is more suitable for home use. In June, select a two-year-old branch with a diameter of 1 cm, use a knife to make a ring-shaped bark cut, with the ring-stripping band 1-2 cm, let it dry for 2-3 days, wrap it with a mud mixture of half garden soil and half moss, then bind it with plastic film, pay attention to watering, keep the wrapped mud moist, and after about two months it will root; cut it off from the mother plant and plant and cultivate it.