How to approach-graft white magnolia (Michelia alba)? Detailed operation methods and steps

Approach grafting time

White magnolia (Michelia alba) is difficult to propagate by cuttings, so approach grafting is generally used. When approach grafting, those with a greenhouse can do it all year round; those without a greenhouse can carry out approach grafting from April to September (in the Yangtze River basin)

Selection and cultivation of rootstock

Huanglan (Michelia champaca) or purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) with a thickness of more than 5 mm can be used as rootstock. Before grafting, pot it and cultivate it for a period of time, and only carry out approach grafting after it is certainly growing normally. This ensures the survival rate of grafting.

Selection of scion

On the mother plant of white magnolia (Michelia alba), select branches that are more than one year old, and as far as possible choose middle and lower branches that are both convenient for grafting and do not affect the beauty of the original plant's shape.

Operation method

① First, choose a smooth spot at the base of the rootstock or near the pot soil, wipe away mud, sand and other debris with a wet cloth, and use a knife to cut out a rectangular incision 1-1.5 cm long and 3-5 mm wide on the rootstock. The incision must be smooth without fuzz, cut in one stroke.

② Choose a smooth spot on the branch and cut a rectangular incision of the same size as that on the rootstock.

③ Align the incision on the branch with the incision on the rootstock, hold the joined part tightly with your hand, first place a piece of film horizontally above the incision, then wrap the incision well with plastic film, with tightness moderate, to prevent rainwater from seeping in and affecting incision healing.

Management after grafting

Pay attention to water and fertilizer management. In summer, in addition to keeping the pot soil moist, spray water on the leaves once or twice a day, and place it in a semi-shaded place. Management must be careful; do not bump or break the scion. One and a half to two months after approach grafting, cut off the white magnolia (Michelia alba) scion, and then cultivate it for a period of time

Afterwards, cut off the upper end of the rootstock in two stages, and a new white magnolia (Michelia alba) plant is thus formed.