How to propagate the cut branches of Desert Rose (pruning and grafting methods and precautions)

How to prune and graft Desert Rose

Desert rose has a very strong ability to produce lateral buds, so it needs to be pruned and topped constantly to allow it to produce more lateral branches. More lateral branches will produce more flowers. Some desert roses will only grow three or two lateral branches without pruning, and they will grow taller and taller .

Generally, the pruning of Desert Rose is very important to remove the top buds and keep the main branches . If you don't pay attention to pruning it, it will easily lose its ornamental value.

So, should the pruned branches be discarded directly? In fact, it is a bit wasteful. They can be processed and then used for cuttings. It is not difficult to propagate Desert Rose by cuttings.

First, cutting time:

Many people say that spring and autumn are the best seasons for cuttings of Desert Roses. This is a general statement. In early spring, the climate is humid and rainy, and the temperature is low, which is not suitable for cuttings of Desert Roses.

The best time to plant Desert Rose cuttings is after the Qingming Festival, when the temperature rises to above 22 degrees Celsius. After the temperature rises and the plant adapts to the temperature, it is the best time to plant Desert Rose cuttings.

Especially in the north, you must wait until the temperature rises and stabilizes above 22 degrees Celsius before you can take cuttings. Pay more attention to avoiding rain when taking cuttings in spring.

Many people say that Desert Rose can be propagated in autumn. This is also a general statement. In autumn, the south is not only hot but also dry. These two weather conditions are not suitable for propagating Desert Rose.

In autumn, the temperature is also important. It is best to keep the temperature below 28 degrees Celsius when cutting. In autumn, more attention should be paid to moisturizing and cooling.

Second, cuttings:

Cuttings are usually taken when pruning after flowering.

The pruning height should be the desired height. If you do not want the plant to be too tall, you can prune a little lower, retaining a 5 cm stem.

The pruning position should be at the end of the fat fleshy stem, and the wound should be as small as possible.

If you like a taller plant shape, you can prune it a little higher.

The cuttings chosen should not be too tender. It is generally recommended that the color of the cortex is slightly brown, which is better.

The wound of the cutting branch should be trimmed neatly without burrs, and the wound needs to be dried for about 48 hours to form a layer of film like "sugar coating" on the wound. When drying the wound, you can use a toothpick to insert it at the bottom, which will make the cutting more stable.

Third, cutting operation:

1. Before cuttings, you can use an aqueous solution of "gibberellic acid" diluted about 1200 times with water , and spray it on the cortex of the cutting site 2 to 3 times. The lowest point of the spray is best, and it should not touch the wound of the cutting site.

2. It is recommended to use river sand for cuttings. River sand is clean and sterile, has good air permeability, high drainage, and a large temperature difference between day and night, which is conducive to inducing root growth. If conditions permit, you can use a mixture of red jade soil and small particles of volcanic rock for cuttings.

3. When cutting, you don't need to go too deep, just bury the wound shallowly about 2 cm. Since a toothpick has been inserted before, there is no need to worry about lodging instability.

4. After cutting, just keep the planting material slightly moist, no need to water. In spring, you can spread a layer of sphagnum moss at the base of the cutting.

In autumn, you can use a large oil barrel to cover the Desert Rose pot to keep it moist. Pay attention to avoid rain in spring and keep it moist in autumn.