(1) Cutting matrix
Cutting matrix requires loose and ventilated, and does not contain uncorroded organic matter and salts. Commonly used include river sand, vermiculite , perlite , plain sand soil, charcoal soil, , rot moss, rice husk ash and sawdust, etc., which should be clean, uniform, medium-sized, and not too thick.
(2) Select cuttings (spikes)
Cuttings can be divided into branch inserts or leaf inserts. The mother plant should have the conditions of excellent quality, strong growth and no pests and diseases. It should choose branches that grow in the middle and upper part of the year, with short branches, strong branches and leaves, and full buds. It is not advisable to choose branches that are about to bloom or branches that are too long.
(3) Treatment with a potion before cutting to promote rooting. The tender branches are usually cut into a length of 7 to 10 cm, with 2 to 3 buds on it. The incision at the lower part of the cutting should be 0.5 cm below the node. The incision should be smooth, cut off the lower blades and leave only 2 to 3 blades on the top. The insertion depth is generally 3 cm.
(4) Create a rooting environment
The appropriate temperature for most flowers to take root is 20~25℃. Flowers native to tropical areas require a higher temperature. Generally, the soil temperature is 3~5℃ higher than the air temperature is beneficial for rooting. The relative humidity of the air in the insert bed is 80%~90%, which is conducive to rooting. The cuttings of tender branches require 30% to 50% light (except for full-light fog insert). The moisture is moderate, the cuttings are slightly larger at the beginning and slightly dry in the later stage.
(5) After cutting, manage
and water after cutting, cover it with plastic film, prevent direct sunlight in the early stage, spray water frequently, keep the insert bed moderately moist, pay attention to ventilation, and prevent bacteria from occurring. If the insertion bed is too wet, it will affect the healing and rooting of the cuttings; when the new root of the cuttings grows to 2 to 3 cm, it can be transplanted into the pot in time.
Source: Guangming.com - Popular Science China
