How to propagate四季秋 crabapple through cuttings
Here are some related experiences on how to propagate 四季秋 crabapple through cuttings and the timing and methods of its cutting, please see the detailed introduction below.
四季秋 crabapple is a perennial herbaceous shrub from Brazil with strong reproductive ability. Both stems and leaves can be used for propagation, and soil or water can be used as the growing medium. There are many varieties of 四季秋 crabapple, with double and single petals, flower colors including red, white, and pink, and leaf colors including green, bronze purple, and dark brown. It is a common绿化 plant and many gardening enthusiasts cultivate it at home. Below, I will introduce the cutting method for 四季秋 crabapple.
Ⅰ. Cutting Time
It is generally suitable in spring and autumn, and cuttings can also survive in winter. The optimal growth temperature for 四季秋 crabapple is between 15 and 24°C. In southern regions, the warm and humid months of April to May are the most suitable for cutting, with a temperature of about 20°C making it easier for the cuttings to root and survive. If the temperature is too high, the cuttings tend to rot, especially when the soil moisture is high in summer, so it is not suitable to cut in summer.
Ⅱ. Preparing Cuttings
Select a healthy two-year-old stem with two buds, having 3 or 4 internodes. Use a disinfected sharp blade to cut a 10 cm long stem diagonally from 1 cm below the last internode as the cutting.
Remove the top tender bud of the cutting, and if there are flower buds, cut them off. Reduce the extra leaves, keeping 3 or 4 leaves. Place the cuttings in a shaded area and let them dry for 2 days until the cut surface turns slightly white before planting. Reduce watering for the mother plant 15 days in advance to slow down its growth, so the cuttings will not be too long and fragile, making them easier to survive after planting. Additionally, the leaves of 四季秋 crabapple can also be used for propagation.
Ⅲ. Cultivation Methods
1. Direct Soil Cultivation
Select soil with good drainage and breathability. Clean fine river sand or soft sandy soil can be used as the growing medium, and it is best to disinfect and sterilize the soil. Do not use nutrient-rich soil or leaf mold for cutting, as excessive fertilizer or too much organic matter can prevent the cuttings from rooting easily and can also cause them to rot.
Choose the number of cuttings based on the size of the pot, with the pot diameter slightly larger than the size of one plant. If planting multiple cuttings in a large pot, the spacing between plants should be 3 cm. Use a stick to make several holes in the soil, one-third the length of the cutting.
When planting, place the cutting in the hole and slightly press the soil around the base to secure it, then place it in a low-light environment without direct sunlight to recover.
Do not water immediately after planting to allow the cut surface to heal. Water thoroughly 3 to 5 days later and do not water again, keeping the soil slightly moist. After about 10 days, the plant will grow roots about 3 to 4 cm long, at which point it can be moved to a sunny location. Another 6 to 7 days later, it can be transplanted to a pot.
If the seedlings are first grown in a cutting bed, they need to wait until the new roots of the cuttings have aged before transplanting to a pot.
2. Water Cultivation before Potting
Water cultivation has a high survival rate. You can first cultivate the cuttings in water and then transplant them to the potting soil. Use clear water to cultivate the cuttings in a glass bottle, submerge the cutting part in water, and place it in a semi-shaded and well-ventilated area. When 3 fibrous roots grow at the bottom, after about 20 days, you can transplant it to the pot.
The above sharing on how to propagate 四季秋 crabapple through cuttings and the timing and methods of its cutting are all for your learning and reference!