Tillering propagation of cycads

Tillering time of cycads

It is suitable to be carried out between January and February in early spring.

Extracting the tiller buds of Cycas revoluta

The germination sites of Cycas revoluta tillers are concentrated at the base and trunk of the stem. It is appropriate to select plump tillers that are more than 3 years old or have 4 or 5 leaves as breeding materials. Be careful not to choose sucker buds that are too tender as they are difficult to survive. Use a sharp knife to cut the tiller buds from the base. Pay close attention and be careful when cutting to minimize damage to the stem bark. The rooted tiller buds can be directly planted in a well-drained and breathable culture soil rich in humus for management. If the tiller buds have not taken root, they should be placed in a cool and ventilated place for about 2 or 3 days, and then the rooting treatment can be carried out after the incision is slightly dry.

Rooting of Cycas revoluta

It is best to treat the wound before planting to prevent it from rotting. Generally, you can apply wood ash, sulfur powder, etc. Then plant it in plain sand with the depth of the substrate about half the height of the tiller buds. Water it once and place it in a well-lit place indoors for maintenance. Generally, new roots will sprout in about 2 months, and 1-2 new leaves will grow in about 3-4 months.

Transplanting of Cycas revoluta

After all the new leaves have unfolded, you can move them into the culture soil for management. The culture soil is generally made of leaf mold, mycorrhizal soil, river sand and calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer in a ratio of 9:4:6:1.

Management of Cycas revoluta after tillering

Cycads love light, so it is necessary to ensure that they have sufficient light, especially during the leaf-growing period, they must be placed in the sun, otherwise the new leaves will become thin and long, reducing their ornamental value. As for watering, just don’t water unless the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do water. At the same time, be careful to avoid water accumulation in the pot. Cycas can tolerate barrenness and does not have high requirements for fertility. In terms of fertilization, thin pancake fertilizer water can be applied about once a month during the cycad seedling period. During its vigorous growth period, 0.3% urea liquid fertilizer and 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate liquid fertilizer can be applied alternately every 20 days or so. Foliar topdressing can also be carried out with 0.1% ferrous sulfate liquid fertilizer.