How to propagate cycad seedlings? Can cycad seeds be grown into seedlings?

The Chinese name of Cycas revoluta is Cycas revoluta, which is a gymnosperm with a long history of survival. The main propagation methods of Cycas revoluta are sowing, tillering and cutting . Sowing and tillering are commonly used for propagation. The following is a detailed discussion of the propagation methods of Cycas revoluta.

Seed propagation

Cycas revoluta is a dioecious plant . Usually, the female and male plants are located close to each other and can bloom at the same time. They can naturally produce seeds when cross-pollination occurs. Plants over 10 years old in the southern region can bloom from June to August, and the seeds mature in October.

Cycas revoluta prefers a warm environment. The germination rate is usually highest when sowing in May and June . Sowing is done in flower pots. The substrate should be fertile sandy loam. Place the seeds on the soil surface and cover with 2 to 3 cm thick fine soil.

After sowing, it should be placed in a place with direct sunlight for maintenance, and the ambient temperature should be maintained at around 30 to 33°C. Water appropriately to keep the soil moist. It will usually germinate in about 15 days, and the seedlings can usually be transplanted after 2 to 4 years .

Tillering propagation

1. Treatment of tiller buds

Usually, the cycads tiller in early spring. The tillers often grow on the root base and trunk of the mother plant. Use a sharp blade to remove the tillers from the mother plant. It is best if the tillers are 3 years old or more, have a small amount of roots and 4 or 5 leaves.

This type of tiller bud can be planted directly after being cut. If the tiller does not have a root system, it should be placed in a cool and ventilated place to dry the cut surface before germination.

2. Tillering propagation method

Bury the tiller buds in the potting soil, 1/2 depth. The cultivation medium can be partially mixed with the soil of the mother plant. The medium should be a humus-rich soil with good drainage and permeability. After planting, place it in a cool and ventilated place.

Cutting propagation method

You can slice and propagate old iron tree stumps, cut the trunk into several sections, the thickness of the slices is between 10 and 15 cm, and bury them in clean and moist sand to promote germination. Add water frequently to keep the moisture content of the substrate at 60%. After half a year, the slices can germinate and then they can be transplanted and planted.