Can Thousand-Head Chrysanthemum be propagated by cuttings? How should Thousand-Head Chrysanthemum be pruned once it has already formed flower buds?

As a beautiful and highly adaptable flowering plant, Thousand-Head Chrysanthemum can be propagated in several ways, among which cutting propagation is one of the more commonly used methods with a relatively high success rate. The following are the specific steps and points to note for taking Thousand-Head Chrysanthemum cuttings:

Thousand-Head Chrysanthemum cuttings are generally taken in summer, especially in 6-7 months, when the temperature is suitable and favorable for the cuttings to root. If you want a single Thousand-Head Chrysanthemum plant to fill out and spill over the pot, you can take cuttings earlier, in April or May; if you plant several in one pot, taking cuttings in June or July is also fine.

Choose thick, healthy branches with a green, fleshy, solid cut surface as cuttings. Avoid branches that are hollow and pithy in the middle, because they are overly aged and not easy to root. The length of the cutting is usually 5-6 cm, and the lower end is cut at a slant to increase the rooting area. It is best to choose branches with a growing tip, because these branches have strong growth vigor.

The cutting medium is best as clean river sand, because it is sterile and has good air permeability, which is favorable for the cuttings to root. If garden soil is used, it must be sterilized beforehand. Put the medium into a container and press it down gently so that the cuttings can be inserted.

First use a wooden stick to poke a small hole in the medium, then insert the cutting into the hole to a depth of about 2-3 cm; it should not be too deep. After inserting, press the medium down gently to make sure the cutting is stable. After cutting, water thoroughly immediately to keep the medium moist. For half a month after cutting, keep it shaded and spray water once a day to keep the medium moist. As the cutting roots, gradually increase the light. After about one month, the cutting will have rooted and grown new leaves, and it can then be transplanted. When transplanting, be careful to protect the new roots and avoid damaging them.

Bud-stage pruning of Thousand-Head Chrysanthemum

When Thousand-Head Chrysanthemum begins to form flower buds, proper pruning can promote more abundant flowering and brighter flowers. The following are the specific pruning methods and points to note:

It is recommended to prune in the early bud stage, when the buds have not yet fully opened and pruning has less effect on the plant. At the same time, timely pruning of spent flowers is also an important measure for keeping the plant attractive and promoting later flowering.

Light pruning: if there are still many small buds on the branch, only light pruning is needed; just cut off the faded spent flowers. Keep most of the leaves and the unopened small buds, which helps the plant continue to grow and bloom.

Heavy pruning: if there are no small buds left on the branch after the flowers fade, heavy pruning can be considered. The extent of pruning can be decided according to the actual situation; generally you can cut off 1/2 to 2/3 of the branch, or cut off all the branches of the entire aboveground part. After heavy pruning, the plant will send out new shoots from the roots, which helps renew the plant.

After pruning, promptly supplement with fertilizer balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to promote rapid sprouting of new shoots. At the same time, pay attention to the growth of basal shoots and side shoots, and prune old and weak branches appropriately, using basal shoots to renew the plant structure.

After pruning, maintain suitable temperature and light conditions. In winter, keep an appropriate temperature to prevent the plant from freezing damage; at the same time, make sure the plant receives sufficient light to promote photosynthesis and flowering.

After pruning, also check the leaves for pest damage. Once pests are found, spray pesticide promptly for control; at the same time, clean up dead branches and fallen leaves on the soil surface to reduce sources of disease. Regularly spraying fungicide also helps prevent diseases such as wilt. Through the careful management described in the above steps, your Thousand-Head Chrysanthemum will surely bloom with even more brilliant flowers!