Which flowers are suitable for cuttings in winter? Here are some varieties we recommend

Although winter temperatures are relatively low, many flowers are still suitable for propagation by cuttings. Use a container with good drainage and loose soil, keep it moderately moist and warm, and the cuttings will successfully take root. Below is a detailed guide to winter cutting methods for several flowers: kalanchoe, Madagascar periwinkle, bougainvillea, variegated String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii variegata), Aptenia cordifolia, and Othonna capensis.

Kalanchoe:Kalanchoe is much loved for its long flowering period and rich colors, making it an ideal choice for winter cuttings. When taking cuttings, choose vigorous, pest- and disease-free branches, each about 6-8 cm long; remove the lower leaves, keeping only a few at the top. Let the cuttings dry in a shady spot for 1-2 days, and once the cut ends have healed, insert them into loose, airy soil, such as a mix of leaf mold, garden soil and perlite or vermiculite, keeping the soil slightly moist. Place them indoors in a warm spot, and within a few weeks you will see small shoots emerge.

Madagascar periwinkle:Madagascar periwinkle, with its rich colors and varied forms, is suitable for winter cuttings. Choose branches without yellow leaves and cut them into 8~10 cm segments, cutting the lower end into a horseshoe shape to increase the contact area with the soil. Use a soil mix of peat, garden soil and sand, or a mixture of nutrient soil and vermiculite, for inserting the cuttings. After planting, keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a bright, well-ventilated spot at around 20 degrees. If your home is cold, you can cover them with a plastic bag to raise the temperature. During later care, water thoroughly once the soil dries out, and avoid waterlogging that can cause black rot. At the same time, expose them to sunlight gradually to prevent sunburn on the leaves.

Bougainvillea:Bougainvillea can also achieve a high survival rate when cut in winter. Choose semi-lignified branches grown last year or in early spring of this year, keep them about 10 cm long, and keep one complete leaf or two incomplete leaves at the top. Soak the bottom ends of the branches in a rooting powder solution for 20~30 minutes, then let them dry before inserting. For the cutting medium, you can use a mixture of perlite, vermiculite and peat. Keep the temperature above 10 degrees and the humidity no lower than 50%18 degrees and the humidity is above 70%90%

Aptenia cordifolia:Aptenia cordifolia is suitable for cutting in spring, autumn and early winter. Trim the branches into small segments of 8 to 10 cm and place them in a ventilated, shady spot to drain off excess moisture. Prepare loose, airy soil; adding perlite and peat can improve the survival rate. Insert the branches into the soil to a depth of about 3 cm, press firmly with your fingers, and place them in a ventilated, shady spot to wait for rooting and sprouting. After about half a month, the branches will sprout.

Othonna capensis:Othonna capensis is a succulent hanging plant with thick, juicy leaves, suitable for winter cuttings. Cut branches with 3-4 leaves and insert them into loose, airy soil, keeping the temperature at around 15 degrees. Othonna capensis needs plenty of light; water whenever the soil surface dries out, and avoid waterlogging. At the same time, apply light fertilizer frequently, generally a compound fertilizer once every 7-10 days to promote growth.

From the above, it is easy to see that taking flower cuttings in winter is not only feasible but can also bring a different kind of joy and sense of accomplishment. Choose suitable flower varieties and master the correct cutting methods, and you too can enjoy a home full of greenery during the cold winter days.