Four points to note when taking autumn cuttings of woody flowering plants

Woody flowering plants such as camellia, banana shrub, azalea, osmanthus and serissa can also be propagated by cuttings in autumn, and the survival rate is relatively high, generally around 80% to

90%. There are four key points to note when taking autumn cuttings of woody flowering plants.

1. Cutting time. The period from Cold Dew to Frost's Descent, that is, mid to late October, is suitable.

2. Selection of cuttings. The cuttings should be young and low in lignification, that is, healthy young shoots of the current year that have turned from green to yellowish brown should be used as cuttings. Such cuttings have sufficient nutrients and strong regenerative capacity, and root easily. The cuttings should be 5 cm to 10 cm long, retain 2 to 3 leaves at the upper part, and be inserted into the soil to a depth of 1/3 to 1/2 of the cutting length.

3. Soil for cuttings. Sandy loam rich in organic matter is best, acidic, loose in texture and with good drainage and aeration. Do not use clayey soil as the soil for the cutting bed.

4. Management after insertion. This is the key to the success of the cuttings. After insertion, water thoroughly, and cover the cutting bed with transparent plastic film to keep it warm and moist. The cutting bed should not be exposed to direct sunlight. After 1 week, water can be sprayed on the leaves, and thereafter it is enough to keep the soil moist. After 20 days, if the leaves of the cuttings are observed to be healthy, upright and bright green, it indicates that the cuttings have survived. After about 40 days, 2 to 3 young roots can emerge at the nodes. At this time winter has already arrived, so special attention must be paid to keeping warm and preventing cold wind. The cutting bed should be moved indoors, and the bed temperature should be kept above 5°C to 10°C. In March of the following year, after the temperature rises, remove the film from the cutting bed, give the cuttings appropriate light, keep the soil moist, and apply a light fertilizer. By early to mid-April, when the seedlings have grown 6 to 7 roots, they can be transplanted into pots.