Detailed Explanation of Key Techniques for Autumn Cuttings of Woody Flowering Plants

In autumn, branches gradually become hard and have a relatively strong rooting capacity, but since winter arrives after rooting from cuttings taken at this time, there cannot be significant growth within the same year; it can only lay the foundation for vigorous growth in the second year. Woody plants suitable for autumn cuttings include white magnolia (Magnolia denudata), winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum), big-leaf boxwood (Buxus megistophylla), red-leaf barberry (Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea), rose (Rosa chinensis), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), Sichuan juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Pyramidalis'), and dragon juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuca'), etc. The following points should be noted when taking autumn cuttings

1. Cutting time. It is best during the period from Cold Dew to Frost's Descent, that is, mid to late October.

2. Selection of cuttings. Cuttings should be young and low in lignification, that is, vigorous young shoots of the current year that have turned from green to yellowish-brown should be selected as cuttings. Such cuttings have sufficient nutrients, strong regenerative capacity, and root easily. 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. Clayey soil must not be used as the soil for the cutting bed.

4. Management after cutting. This is the key to the success or failure of cuttings. After cutting, water thoroughly, and cover the cutting bed with transparent plastic film to keep it warm and moist. The cutting bed must not be exposed to direct sunlight. After one week, foliar spraying with water can be carried out, and thereafter it is sufficient 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. In winter, special attention should be paid to keeping warm and preventing cold wind. The cutting bed should be moved indoors so that the bed temperature is maintained 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. In early to mid-April, after the seedlings have rooted, transplant them into pots.