How to propagate cycads and what to pay attention to

Cycad reproduction method

Cycas revoluta, also known as the iron tree, has a variety of reproduction methods, including sowing propagation, tillering propagation, trunk cutting propagation, etc. It can be propagated by seeds.

How to propagate cycads quickly

Cycad seeds germinate slowly and require a long maintenance period, usually 4-6 months to germinate. If not properly maintained, it may take more than a year for them to germinate. To speed up germination, soak the seeds in warm water in advance, remove the seed coat, take out the seed core with brown endocarp, soak for 4 hours, and then sow in sandy loam.

Cycad breeding time

Cycas can be propagated all year round in the south. In most parts of my country, the most suitable time for family division propagation is generally from early to mid-May to early June.

Cycad propagation method

Cycad division propagation

First, separate the suckers from the stem of a three-year-old cycad mother plant, and then insert them into loose soil to a depth of one-third of the bulb. Compact and water, keeping the soil slightly moist. Control the temperature between 20-30 degrees, and the survival rate of division reproduction can reach 80-90%.

Cycad cutting propagation

Cycas can be propagated by cuttings in May. The stem can be cut into thick slices with a length of 10-15 cm. After drying, they can be buried in sandy soil. After careful maintenance for a period of time, the thick slices of Cycas will sprout new buds. After that, prepare loose humus soil and bury the sprouted thick slices in it.

Cycad seed propagation

Collect cycad seeds in October, select plump and healthy ones, soak them in 50-degree warm water for a day, then soak them in dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sulfuric acid and other solutions for 10-15 minutes, rinse them with clean water, and then sow them. Cover the soil to a depth of about 2 cm and provide a temperature environment of 30-33°C. They will generally germinate in about half a month.

Precautions for Cycad Reproduction

Cycas is best planted in slightly acidic sandy soil that is well-drained, fertile and loose. It is a sun-loving plant and needs to be grown in a sunny environment, but it should be properly shaded in the summer. Water appropriately during the growing period to keep the soil moist, and keep it relatively dry in winter. Apply compound fertilizer once a month during the growing period, and also spray foliar fertilizer to ensure sufficient nutrients.