TheNaturePlanet

Nematanthus, with its thick and fleshy leaves resembling goldfish, is a beautiful and easy - to - care - for indoor foliage plant. For those who love propagating flowers, the cutting propagation of Nematanthus is an economical and efficient method. So, how to propagate Nematanthus by cuttings? What months are the most suitable? And what kind of soil should be chosen? Below, we will answer these questions in detail.
The timing of Nematanthus cuttings has a significant impact on its survival rate. Generally, spring and autumn are the periods when Nematanthus grows most vigorously and are also the best times for cuttings.
Spring Cuttings: In spring, the temperature gradually warms up, and the air humidity is moderate. Nematanthus begins to enter the active growth period. Taking cuttings at this time, the cuttings are easy to root, and the survival rate is relatively high. Specifically, the best time for spring cuttings is from March to May, especially from March to April. At this time, the temperature is suitable, basically between 15 - 30 degrees Celsius. The cuttings can root in about half a month after being planted.
Autumn Cuttings: In autumn, the weather is cool, and the temperature is appropriate, which is also suitable for taking cuttings of Nematanthus. Generally, from September to November, especially in October, cuttings are taken. At this time, the temperature is moderate, which is conducive to the rooting of cuttings. It should be noted that as autumn progresses, the temperature gradually drops. Therefore, after taking cuttings, heat - preservation measures should be strengthened to ensure that the cuttings can root smoothly.
Steps of Nematanthus Cuttings
Prepare the Cuttings: Select healthy and pest - free Nematanthus branches as cuttings. The length of the cuttings is generally between 10 - 15 centimeters, ensuring that there are 2 - 3 nodes on the cuttings. After cutting the branches, place them in a cool and ventilated place to dry the wounds. It takes about 2 - 3 days until the wounds heal.
Prepare the Substrate: The choice of cutting substrate also has an important impact on the rooting of cuttings. An ideal substrate should have good air permeability and water - retaining properties. Commonly used substrates include a mixture of vermiculite, perlite, and coconut coir, or a mixture of peat soil, perlite, and coconut coir. The substrate should be clean, free of pests and diseases, and odor - free. Before use, it can be exposed to the sun or disinfected with a fungicide.
Cutting Operation: Insert the dried cuttings into the prepared substrate to a depth of about one - third of the length of the cuttings. After insertion, gently press the substrate to make the cuttings closely combine with the substrate. Then water thoroughly and place the cut Nematanthus in a cool and ventilated place for maintenance.
Maintenance after Nematanthus Cuttings
Keep Moist: The Nematanthus after cutting needs to keep the substrate moist, but not too wet to avoid rotting of the cuttings. Generally, water once every 2 - 3 days. When watering, pay attention to observing the humidity of the substrate to avoid waterlogging.
Appropriate Shading: The Nematanthus after cutting needs to avoid direct sunlight to prevent the cuttings from losing too much water and dying. Therefore, during the maintenance process, place it in a cool and ventilated place and provide appropriate shading.
Maintain the Temperature: The Nematanthus after cutting needs an appropriate temperature to root smoothly. Generally, the room temperature is most suitable to be maintained between 20 - 25 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is too low or too high, it will affect the rooting speed and survival rate of the cuttings.
Ventilation: A well - ventilated environment is conducive to the rooting and growth of cuttings. Therefore, during the maintenance process, pay attention to keeping the room ventilated and avoid long - term airtightness, which may lead to poor air quality and affect the growth of cuttings.
The cutting propagation of Nematanthus is a simple and efficient propagation method. When taking cuttings, choose the appropriate time (from March to May in spring or from September to November in autumn), healthy cuttings, and a good substrate. At the same time, during the maintenance process after cutting, pay attention to keeping the substrate moist, appropriate shading, maintaining the appropriate temperature, and ensuring good ventilation to ensure that the cuttings can root and grow smoothly.