Vegetative reproduction

Vegetative reproduction is aimed at preserving, mainly, the biological properties and attributes of the original plant. Such characteristics, for example, include the color of the flower, pyramid, and so on. It is vegetative reproduction that makes it possible to grow indoor plants from a part of the leaf, stem, root, as most decorative tropical species do not yield seeds in moderate climatic conditions. Such plants, for example, include aloe, Tradescantia, ficus, monster and others.

Vegetative reproduction is for today the only method of fixing valuable varietal properties of plants. In other words, only using this method can you keep pure varieties, the value of which lies in their qualities (color, smell, terry and so on). This vegetative reproduction significantly differs from the seed. In addition, grown from seeds, plants bloom more slowly.

There are different ways of vegetative reproduction: by dividing bushes, mustaches, offspring, cuttings of leaves and stems, layers, etc.

Cutting is the most common method . A cut is called a part separated from the stem and developing under favorable conditions into an independent plant. The optimal time for this propagation is spring (March or April). Cuttings in this case have time to form a stable root system. Such plants are well overwintered, in contrast to cuttings of late planting. Vegetative reproduction by this method is carried out by young or slightly lignified parts of the stem. Their length is no more than six to eight centimeters. Cuttings should have internodes (two or three) and three or four leaves.

Cut the cuttings with a sharp knife. The lower cut must be oblique and located directly beneath the kidney or leaf, the upper cut - 1-1.5 cm above the kidney. Cuttings of plants in which there is a milky juice, for a while should be lowered into warm water. If necessary (for better rooting), parts of the stems should be treated with growth substances (aloe juice, sodium humate).

In cuttings of cacti and other succulents, sprinkle slices with crushed coal, then allow them to dry for two or three days.

Cuttings are planted in specially prepared pots or boxes. The drainage layer (coarse-grained sand, pebbles, etc.), whose height is 2-3 centimeters, is poured on the bottom, sheet and turf ground (in the same ratio) mixed with well-washed sand (1: 5) is poured on top. The nutrient layer should have a height of four to five centimeters. On top should be laid a three-centimeter layer of coarse-grained river sand (well washed). To prevent soil siltation, it is more appropriate to use small pots and place several cuttings around them in the perimeter.

Plant cuttings should be with a pointed stick, the thickness of which - no more than the thickness of the pencil. In the sand holes are made. Between them should be about five to six centimeters. Cuttings are planted so that the lower end is submerged in sand by 1-2 centimeters. After that, press the sand firmly against the cuttings.

Until the end of rooting every day (in the mornings and evenings), the planted parts of the stems are sprayed with water. Boxes or pots should be covered with glass - so the heat and humidity will be maintained more evenly. Containers with cuttings are installed in a bright place (not in the sun). The air temperature should be no more than +25 degrees. After two to four weeks, the cuttings form the root system and begin to develop. After rooting, young shoots are taught to air in the room. To do this, begin to remove the glass: the first day of one or two, the second - for two or three hours and so on, gradually increasing it. After 1-1,5 weeks, clean the glass completely.