How to propagate the bird's nest

Cutting propagation

time

It is usually carried out in spring and autumn. Because the soil requirements for cuttings of Crassula ovata are relatively high, try to choose a sunny day for cuttings. The selected soil must also be disinfected in advance.

method

Cut strong top branches, 7-10 cm long, dry them in a cool place for 1 day, and after the wounds are dry, insert them in moist sand or perlite. The cuttings will take root 3 weeks after cutting, and the survival rate is very high. (If you think you have good cutting skills, you can choose leaf cuttings. The method is the same. After drying the leaves, insert them directly into the sand bed. They will take root after 4 weeks.)

Potting after cuttings

After the cuttings survive, they must be divided and planted. First, place a 2-2 cm thick coarse-grained substrate or expanded clay at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer, and then sprinkle a layer of decomposed organic fertilizer on it as base fertilizer. Then put the plant in the pot, taking care to separate the fertilizer from the plant's roots to avoid burning the roots.

Water plugging method

The water-cut propagation of the bird's nest takes root quickly, produces many roots and has a high survival rate.

Selection of cuttings

Usually from April to September, cut the healthy and disease-free branches of the Crassula ovata, each section is 10 to 15 cm long, leave 3 to 4 pairs of leaves on the upper end, remove two pairs of leaves on the lower end, and rinse off the juice on the cut edge. Let it dry slightly. Unlike soil planting, it does not need to be completely dry, as long as the juice no longer seeps out.

Cutting medium and container

Take a clean, sterile water bottle or cup, add clean water, and place a piece of foam or thick paper on the surface to fix it. If the cup is transparent, it is best to prepare a piece of black cloth and cover the cup during the rooting process of the branches. It is easier for the branches to take root in a completely dark environment.

operate

Fix the cuttings with foam or thick paper and place them in the cup. The water should be deep enough to immerse 1/2 to 1/3 of the ear. Then place it in the shade and keep the temperature above 25℃.

Subsequent management

Change the water every 2 to 3 days after cuttings. Generally, roots will take shape in about 7 days. Under normal circumstances, the rooting rate is 100%. After rooting, pot it in time using the same method as for soil cuttings. After potting, place it in a shaded place for 5 to 7 days and then switch to normal maintenance.