Vegetative Propagation Flashcards
(117 cards)
1
Q
What is vegetative propagation?
A
Vegetative propagation is a form of asexual reproduction and results in new plants which are all clones of the parent plant. (called a stock plant) ‘Vegetative’ means all types of propagation APART FROM THE SEED.
2
Q
What type of plant species are suitable for vegetative propagation?
A
Perennials
Biennials & Annuals do not propagate this way.
3
Q
Where are the plant cells produced?
A
Plant cells are produced in plant meristems where cells multiply by dividing.
These new plant cells are influenced by PGRs (plant growth regulators) that determine what they develop into eg root cells.
4
Q
What is the ‘cut away’ part of the plant in vegetative propagation called?
A
A propagule
5
Q
Where should you make a cut on a stem for vegetative propagation?
A
Just below a leaf node or across vascular bundles where meristematic tissues can produce large quantities of new cells to generate these new plant parts. Eg. roots developing on a stem cutting.
6
Q
What are the benefits of vegetative propagation to the plant?
A
Vegetative propagation is more reliable than the two ‘hit and miss’ processes of pollination and fertilisation.
7
Q
What are the benefits of vegetative propagation to the horticulturalist?
A
Retains characteristics of the parent plant.
Obtain a mature plant quicker than using seed for hardwood cuttings/division.
Avoids seed dormancy problem.
Is the only possible method for some plants - some plants do not produce viable seed.
Can cost less - sometimes just labour eg. with division and replanting.
8
Q
What are the limitations of vegetative propagation to the plant?
A
No genetic diversity
If things go wrong all die-no survival of the fittest.
Pests and diseases are passed on.
9
Q
What are the limitations of vegetative propagation to the horticulturalist?
A
Availability of plant material.
Root cuttings difficult to collect enough material to make it financially viable whereas leaf bud cuttings has much more potential.
Lack of variation in the resulting plant.
Transmission of disease.
Requirement of different skills compared to seed sowing. Damage to the stock plant.
Requirement for different propagation equipment - eg. mist units, heated benches.
A pest of disease issue could wipe out entire population as all clones.
Smaller number of plants are obtained than from seed.
Some may involve more expense due to skilled labour and equipment.
10
Q
Name 9 methods of natural vegetative propagation?
A
- Bulbs - Narcissus ‘February Gold’
- Corms - Crocus sativus
- Rhizomes - Iris germanica
- Stolons - Fragaria x ananassa
- Stem tubers. - Solanum tuberosum
- Root tubers - Dahlia ‘Bishop of Landaff’
- Tip layering - Bramble Rubus Fruticosus
- Stem suckers.- Rhus typhina
11
Q
What are the natural methods of propagation a bulb uses?
A
Bulbs eg Narcissus ‘February Gold’ Modified leaves that naturally multiply with offsets called bulbils developing from the basal plate. This is how a clump of daffodils or snowdrops grows bigger.
12
Q
What are the natural methods of propagation a corm uses?
A
Corms eg Crocus sativus - Modified stem. Before it withers away at the end of the growing season a new corm (sometimes several new corms) forms and replaces the mother corm. New cormels or cormlets also form around the edge and develop into new plants.
13
Q
What are the natural methods of propagation a rhizome uses?
A
Rhizomes eg Iris germanica - modified stems that lengthen through the soil, rooting and forming shoots at nodes and can break off to form new plants. Equisetum arvense (Horsetail)
14
Q
What are the natural methods of propagation a stolon uses?
A
Stolons/runners eg Fragaria × ananassa / Ranunculus repens- modified stem that grows above ground and roots into ground at nodes. Once established stolon may wither away giving two separate plants.
15
Q
Give an example of a stem tuber and how it creates a new plant?
A
Stem tubers eg Solanum tuberosum newly developed stem tubers can disconnect from the parent plant and become a new plant.
16
Q
How can you get new plants from Dahlias?
A
Root tubers eg Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ - newly formed root tubers can again disconnect from parent plant (in nature this happens far less in root tubers than in stem tubers but is a process gardeners can harness to propagate new plants).
17
Q
Give a plant example for tip layering?
A
Tip layering. Eg Bramble Rubus fruticosus. Long flexible stems bend to the ground and root at the tip.
18
Q
Give a plant example for a stem sucker natural propagation method?
A
Stem Suckers eg Rhus typhina May break away from the parent plant once established.
19
Q
Give 6 methods of artificial vegetative propagation? (they do not happen naturally)
A
Division Air layering Stem cutting Leaf bud cuttings Leaf petiole cuttings Grafting
20
Q
Give 2 plant examples which can be lifted and divided?
A
Alchemilla mollis
Hosta ‘Golden tiara’
21
Q
Give 2 plant examples which can be air layered?
A
Ficus elastica
Camellia japonica
22
Q
Give 2 plant examples you can do stem cuttings with?
A
Cornus alba ‘Siberica’
Lavandula augustifolia
23
Q
What plant can you do a leaf bud cutting with?
A
Camellia japonica
24
Q
Give a plant example you can do a leaf petiole cutting with?
A
Saintpaulia ioantha (African violet)
25
What is juvenile growth?
Juvenility = juvenile growth is young non-reproductive growth ie vegetative (leafy) rather than reproductive adult growth which is flowering / fruiting.
26
What defines a healthy plant?
Free from pest & disease.
Nutritionally satisfied
Grown in correct light levels
Not lacking in water availability
27
Why is juvenile growth ideal for vegetative propagation?
Juvenile growth is ideal for vegetative propagation as the PGRs in mature growth inhibit root formation (mature plants are in ‘flowering mode’ not ‘rooting and leaf growth’ mode).
Thus juvenile growth has the ability to form new roots and / or new stems
28
What characteristics must the cutting material have?
Juvenile
Healthy
True to type
Cells must be turgid (no signs of wilting) so collect early in the morning
29
Why should you collect cutting material early in the morning?
Cells must be turgid (no signs of wilting) so collect early in the morning because the stomata have been closed all night and if water is available at the roots the cells will be turgid. After collection put cuttings straight into a plastic bag and store in a cool place until cuttings can be inserted into growing medium.
30
How can you make sure you know which is the top and bottom of your cutting?
Polarity needs to be maintained. Straight cuts at the bottom, and slanted cuts at the top.
31
What factors do you need to make sure of when taking cuttings?
Sterile clean tools.
Pest & disease free
Take cuttings at correct time of day
True to type
Ensure 'mother plant' is in good healthy condition.
Juvenility of cutting material eg. non flowering, or flower buds removed.
Correct hardness of wood for particular plant or stage of cutting. (eg.softwood and hardwood stem cuttings)
Time of year will influence success of cuttings. Eg. spring/early summer
32
What growing medium might you need when doing vegetative propagation?
Compost - peat free
Perlite
Sand/grit
Mix 50% compost with 50% perlite or sharp sand.
John Innes seed sowing/cuttings compost is a readymade mix of sharp sand and compost suitable for cuttings/seeds.
33
What 5 factors need to be managed in the propagation environment?
```
Temperature
Light levels
Relative Humidity
Moisture/Drainage
Air flow
```
34
Why does temperature affect the success of vegetative propagation?
Warmth increases rate of cell division and root formation thus aiding rapid rooting.
35
When doing cuttings where should you direct the heat?
Want heat/warmth applied at the bottom of cutting (bottom heat) & tops to be cooler
36
How can you monitor the ambient temperature in a greenhouse?
With a thermometer.
37
What equipment can be used for managing the temperature for vegetative propagation?
Soil warming cables, heated mat, heated propagator, heated glasshouse
38
Why are moisture levels so important in propagating vegetative cuttings?
Until roots are formed, cutting is under a lot of water pressure as water continues to be lost from the leaves yet no roots exist to absorb water.
In waterlogged conditions cutting may rot.
39
What methods can be used to manage moisture levels when taking vegetative cuttings?
Mist bench, cover of plastic eg as in propagator to retain humidity around cuttings
Drainage through addition of grit / sand to media
40
Why is it important to manage the airflow in the growing space when propagating vegetative cuttings?
Insufficient airflow can cause fungal problems.
| Too much air flow can dry them out.
41
What can you do to help maintain a good air flow in your growing environment?
Automatic vents / vented lids of a propagator
| Spacing cuttings appropriately.
42
What must you do in the aftercare of the propagules?
1. Monitor P & D (pest & disease)
2. Manage moisture levels
3. Maintain nutrition by feeding
4. Remove dead foliage
5. Harden off (acclimatize gradually to the outdoor environment)
6. Pot on to more nutrient rich compost
43
Give 4 examples of where you can propagate cuttings?
Cold Frame
Mist bench
Heated propagator
Open ground
44
Describe what a cold frame is and how it can be used for propagation?
Cold frame is an unheated, small enclosed unit usually with a glass or perspex lid which can be opened or closed.
It is used for hardwood cuttings in pot, division propagules, root cuttings, semi ripe cuttings of shrubs or conifers.
It is used to protect the cuttings from the extreme cold and wind and rain.
It can also be used to harden off more advanced propagules grown in a protected environment before planting out.
45
What are the pros and cons of using a cold frame for propagation?
Do not require mains for heating. (could be situated on top of a hot bed!)
Relatively cheap to construct.
Need to be positioned south facing.
Too much heat/light can be an issue at certain times of year, so need to make sure lid is opened/removed.
Can only be used for certain types of propagation. Grey mould could be a problem if not ventilated.
46
What is a heated propagator and how is used for propagating vegetative cuttings?
A heated propagator provides heat at the base of the tray and is usually housed in a greenhouse with an electricity supply.
A temperature probe is placed in the growing medium in the container and the temperature can be adjusted depending on the plant growth need.
A lidded propagator can be used for softwood cuttings, leaf petiole, leaf bud cuttings. The heat at the base provides higher temperature for adventitious root growth at the base of the stem or petiole as well as an elevated ambient temperature.
47
What are the pros and cons of a heated propagator?
Requires an energy supply for heating.
Provides bottom heat for rapid root growth so localised and heat is not wasted as with a general fan heater in a greenhouse.
Grey mould can be a problem if not ventilated regularly or over watered.
48
What is a mist bench and how can it be used for vegetative propagation?
A mist bench can be enclosed or open.
Ie. a whole polytunnel may be filled with mist. Or there may be a bench covered with a lid which contains a misting unit. This bench can be situated inside a greenhouse/polytunnel.
49
What does a misting unit do to the environment and how does it help? What types of cuttings can be done with a misting bench?
The suspended droplets of water in the air create a humid environment which decreases the rate of transpiration, so this is the environment often used for softwood cuttings, semi ripe cuttings and small seeds as it prevents wilting and scorching . Misting units also lower the temperature around the plant so also very useful in hot Summer conditions.
50
What is a fogging unit?
Fogging units produce very fine droplets which are suspended in the air for longer. Fogging units are usually an open system filling the whole polytunnel with fog which is suspended in the air.
51
What 2 parts are a misting unit made up of?
A mist bench comprises of a bench with bottom heat supplied by heated cables or hot water pipes buried in moist sand and controlled by a thermostat. Above the bench are misting nozzles which are attached to risers or suspended. Plastic pipework carries water to these misting units/nozzles.
52
What methods of vegetative propagation can done in open ground?
Open ground is used for hardwood cuttings, layering and replanting propagules made from division.
It is good for hardwood rose cuttings.
53
What factors do cuttings need from an open ground for rooting?
It should be dug over and have a good crumb structure.
Free of weeds and fertile.
Sheltered site will mean soil will warm earlier in the season, and plants will not dry out in the wind.
Poorly draining soils for hardwood cuttings can have sand added at the base of the trench to promote better drainage.
Lighter soils are best for hardwood cuttings and root formation.
54
What are the benefits of using open ground for propagation?
No energy required, equipment or materials.
| Do not need hardening off.
55
What are the limitations of using open ground for propagation?
Environmental conditions cannot be controlled, such as moisture content of soil, temperature and light levels.
May be susceptible to rabbit damage.
56
What is the best propagation facility for Softwood stem cuttings?
Heated propagator
| Mist Bench
57
What is the best propagator facility for Semi ripe cuttings?
Heated propagator
Mist bench
Cold Frame
Open ground (for hardy shrubs)
58
What is the best propagator facility for Division?
Open ground
59
What is the best propagator facility for Air layering?
Where the parent plant is situated - so indoors if Ficus Elastica.
60
What is the best propagator facility for Simple layering and serpentine layering?
Open ground
61
What is the best propagator facility for Leaf petiole and leaf lamina cuttings?
Heated propagator
| Mist bench
62
What is the best propagator facility for leaf bud cuttings?
Heated propagator
Mist bench
Cold frame
63
What is the best propagator facility for root cuttings?
Cold frame
64
What does successful propagation depend on?
Optimal timing for that particular species.
Juvenility and ability to root.
The environment it is placed in - temperature/humidity/light/nutrition/pests/disease.
How the plant material is handled.
Weaning regime. (Means acclimatising young plants to open environment).
Absence of pests and diseases in the original parent plant. (stock plant).
65
In stem cuttings, what does the term 'Sticking' mean?
Sticking = inserting the cuttings into suitable rooting media for root formation. This may be a propagating bed indoors or open ground (hardwood cuttings)
66
In stem cuttings, what does the term 'Wounding' mean?
Wounding = A method to improve the success rate with woody cuttings is to wound the cutting by removing a 2–3cm (1in) slither of bark from one side of the base of the cutting. This encourages the formation of callus and therefore improves rooting.
67
In stem cuttings, what does the term 'Heel cutting' mean?
Heel cutting = a form of semi-ripe cutting in which a 1cm sliver of previous years wood (the heel) is still attached. A side shoot is gently pulled away from the main stem along with a thin sliver of bark (heel). The thin end is trimmed off. The heel from the parent plant helps retain moisture and nutrients to sustain the cutting over the several weeks of rooting.
Eg. Ceanothus and Berberis
68
In stem cuttings, what does the term 'Grading' mean?
Since it's not economical to grow cuttings in individual pots commercially, they are grown in multi plant containers.
The need for uniformity arises because growing disparately sized plants next to each other results in improper lighting of some of the cuttings ad can lead to stunted growth.
Therefore the plants are graded.
69
In stem cuttings, what does the term 'Potting off' mean?
As soon as cuttings have developed a good root system, they should be carefully lifted from their trays and put into individual 9cm pots.
Use John innes no.1 - low nutrient level.
70
In stem cuttings, what does the term 'Potting on' mean?
Plants should be moved to next size of pot - eg from 9cm pot to 13cm pot or 13cm to 15cm pot.
Prevents them becoming root bound and promotes healthy growth in a larger root zone.
Don't move up too big, otherwise plants aren't big enough to take up all the water yet, and are liable to remain wet. Can cause root rot and death.
71
What things do you need to remember when taking cuttings of plant material?
```
Time of year
Time of day - usually morning.
Juvenile
Free from pests and diseases
True to type
Correct type of wood.
Don't remove too much from stock plant at once.
Put in a plastic bag which has been sprayed inside to increase relative humidity.
Label.
Use clean secateurs.
Clean cut - no snags.
Maintain polarity by angle of cut.
```
72
How should you prepare a stem cutting?
```
Length.
Trim usually above and below a node if a stem.
Remove lower leaves.
Perhaps cut leaves in half if large.
Remove flower buds.
Clean cuts with sharp secateurs.
Check for Pests and diseases.
Hormone rooting powder.
```
73
What do you need to remember when preparing growing media for cuttings? (container or ground)
Peat free compost and perlite or grit, sand mix.
Remove weeds if open ground.
Texture & structure of open ground soil.
Consider drainage and air filled porosity of growing medium.
Clean equipment.
Use dibber to make hole.
74
What are the 3 main types of stem cuttings called?
3 main types according to maturity. (ripeness or woodiness).
Softwood or tip cuttings - Spring - no woodiness.
Semi ripe cuttings - Summer - as growth is hardening up, becoming ripe and woody.
Hardwood cuttings - fully ripe and dormant - taken in Autumn.
75
Most cuttings are nodal - what does this mean?
Most cuttings are nodal - cut just below the leaf joint or node where there is a concentration of hormones to stimulate root production.
76
When is a softwood cutting usually taken and what type of plant?
Softwood cuttings usually taken in Spring - Feb/March/April.
Evergreen or deciduous
Pelargonium fuchsia - named example.
Can also do with Cornus, Buddleja, Mentha.
77
Describe the method used to take a Pelargonium fuchsia cutting? (softwood cutting)
Select healthy chunky true to type juvenile shoots.
Remove them from a well watered parent plant by cutting immediately above a bud/node.
Take 8-10cm length.
Remove lower leaves to half length of stem.
Remove stipules.
Take early in the morning and place in a humid plastic bag labelled.
Non flowering shoot.
No pests and diseases.
Healthy/
78
Describe the method of preparation for a Pelargonium fuchsia cutting?
Scalpel or knife used so don't crush vascular bundles.
Remove flower buds and lower leaves.
Cut the stem just below a node.
Cutting to have 2-3 leaves.
Pelargoniums NOT dipped in hormone rooting powder as it clogs the tissue and they root readily anyway.
Fill pots with seed compost mixed with grit or perlite to aid drainage.
Insert 2 or 3 cuttings around the edge of each pot. Water the compost lightly and stand pots in a well lit position indoors. Not direct sunlight.
Do not cover pots as this can encourage mildew to develop on the leaves.
Most softwood cuttings do need to be covered, but Pelargonium is a bit of an exception.
After a few weeks a corky callus will develop over the cut end of the stem, and roots will develop.
6-8 weeks to develop a good root system.
79
What is the best environment for a Pelargonium Fuchsia cutting to root?
Open heated propagator with bottom heat 18-24 degrees.
Most softwood cuttings will wilt quickly and should be covered with a plastic bag or enclosed heated propagator with a lid, or placed on a mist bench.
Pelargonium is an exception!
80
Aftercare of a Pelargonium Fuchsia cutting?
Pinch out tips once rooted to encourage side shoots to develop.
Once pots fill with roots, pot on to larger pot size with compost such as John Innes number 2.
Pelargoniums thrive on little water - do not overwater!
End of May - plants can be hardened off and planted outside.
Before 1st frost, dig up plants and overwinter in pots in a frost free greenhouse keeping them very dry.
In February water and increase the temperature so that they put on new growth which will be new cutting material.
Repeat the process all over again.
81
When should you take a stem semi ripe cutting of a Conifer?
Late summer, early Autumn before frosts.
| July - October.
82
Describe how to take a semi ripe Conifer stem cutting?
Select healthy, true to type, growth from well watered stock plant.
Cut lengths 10 -15cm.
Make sure cutting is soft at the tip, but firm at the base.
Remove 1/3 leaves from the bottom.
Cut below a leaf joint.
Dip in hormone rooting powder.
Use a dibber to make holes.
Insert around the edge of a pot containing cutting compost
Water well.
Store in a heated propagator or mist bench for speedy rooting.
Cold frame for slower rooting.
Once rooted pot up into individual pots with John Innes number 2 compost and grow on.
Harden off and plant out.
83
When should you take a hardwood cutting of Cornus alba 'Siberica'?
Late Autumn - early winter.
| November - January.
84
Describe how to take a hardwood stem cutting of Cornus alba 'Siberica'?
November - January
Select vigorous healthy juvenile straight shoots that have grown in current year.
Collected after leaf fall for deciduous.
They should be pencil thick.
Cut into sections 15-30cm long.
Cut cleanly above a bud at the top with a sloping cut. (so you remember which way up - polarity!)
Cut straight across at the base below a bud.
Dip lower end in hormone rooting powder.
Prepare a trench outdoors in a sheltered site with well drained soil.
If poorly drained add some grit at the bottom of the trench.
Or grow in a deep container in a cold frame.
Insert cuttings into the ground or pot with 2/3rds of cutting below surface of soil.
If in a pot use 50:50 coarse grit and multi purpose compost.
Allow 10-15 cm between cuttings and 40cm between trenches.
Leave until following Autumn, and ensure they don't dry out in summer.
The following Autumn cuttings should have rooted and can be planted out or potted on as required.
No hardening off required.
85
What other plants can you make hardwood cuttings of?
Buddleja, Salix, Gooseberry, Ribes.
86
Give a plant example for division of root suckers?
Rhus typhina
87
When should you divide Rhus typhina?
Spring - as plant is in active growth and establishes quicker.
88
How should you divide Rhus typhinus?
Loosen soil around he sucker with a fork.
Carefully lift the sucker and associated roots without disturbing parent plant.
Using sharp secateurs or a knife, sever the sucker ensuring there are fibrous roots on the detached section.
Replace and firm soil around the parent plant.
Trim the sucker by removing the main root up to the fibrous roots.
Reduce long leafy shoots by about half to reduce drying out of the sucker after planting, and to promote bushy new growth.
Plant the sucker in fertile, free draining soil. Can be in open ground or in a container in a cold frame.
Water well after firming in soil around roots.
Water carefully for the first season whilst it establishes.
89
Give a plant example for division of a FIBROUS crown?
Alchemilla mollis
90
Describe how to divide Alchemilla mollis?
Divide in Spring/Autumn.
Loosen soil around plant and lift entire crown.
Wash off roots to see growing points.
Break off sections of root mass that contains visible shoots developing or use spade/knife/fork to prise apart sections.
Discard old softer growth usually in centre of crown.
Replant sections in compost in containers and grow on or replant into ground if Spring.
If planting in the ground, make sure it is free of weeds and add organic matter.
Maintain moisture levels in first year.
91
Give a plant example for division of a FLESHY crown?
Hosta 'Golden Tiara'
92
Describe how to divide a fleshy crown - Hosta 'Golden Tiara'?
Loosen soil around the plant and lift whole crown carefully using a fork.
Wash off roots to see growing points.
Cut into sections making sure there is growth bud and some roots on each clump. Use a knife or spade to slice clumps.
Plant propagule in open ground or pots to grow on.
Open ground should be weed free and fertile.
Protect from slug damage.
Maintain moisture in first year.
93
Give a plant example for using the AIR LAYERING technique of propagation?
Ficus elastica (Rubber plant)
94
When is the best time of year to use AIR LAYERING as a propagation technique?
Spring best for some climbers.
| But Ficus elastica can be all year round.
95
Describe how to air layer a cutting from Ficus elastica?
Select healthy section 1-2 year old stem
Clear leaves around where you want to make the cutting.
Cut 1/3 through stem, 2cm long at a node.
Brush cut with hormone rooting powder and wedge with matchstick.
Wrap damp spagnum moss around stem.
Cover with plastic and seal and tie at each end.
When roots fill the plastic bag, cut it off the parent and pot up.
96
Give a plant example where SIMPLE LAYERING can be used?
Cotinus coggygria
Also Rhododendron or Vibernum
97
Describe how to use SIMPLE LAYERING with Cotinus coggygria?
Spring
Select healthy section of young flexible stem and bend down to the ground.
Where the stem makes contact with soil, dig over soil to a depth of 30cm and incorporate cuttings compost.
Bend the stem at right angles and peg it down with the tip emerging from the soil. Stake the tip to keep upright.
The stem can be wounded to encourage root formation and hormone rooting powder applied.
Once roots form in Autumn under soil, it can be severed from parent plant and potted up into compost mix and grown on in a cold frame.
Then planted the following spring when soil is warm.
98
What kind of plants is SIMPLE LAYERING good for?
Shrubs which have flexible stems such as Cotinus, Camelia, Forsythia and Rhododendron.
99
Which plant can be used for SERPENTINE LAYERING?
Clematis montana
100
Describe how to propagate cuttings from Clematis montana using the Serpentine layering method?
Spring
Select a healthy section of young flexible stem and bend down to the ground.
Wound the stem between the nodes and 'snake' the shoot into the ground.
Make sure the ground has been dug over to a depth of 30cm and free draining cutting compost has been added.
Peg each wounded section down so that at least one bud emerges between each layering.
If space allows, the clematis can be coiled around the parent plant to save space.
Once roots formed under the soil, each propagule can be severed from parent plant and potted up into compost and grown on in a coldframe.
Best planted out the following spring when soil has warmed up.
101
When is the best time of year to take leaf cuttings?
Any time when in growth.
| Spring is best.
102
What plant can be successfully propagated using the leaf petiole cutting method?
Saintpaulia ionantha
103
Describe how to take a leaf petiole cutting of Saintpaulia ionantha?
Spring time best.
Remove entire leaf and petiole from parent plant.
Trim petiole to 3cm and insert into grit/compost or perlite compost mix at an angle with lower leaf edge nearly touching compost.
Water carefully. Sub irrigation is useful to avoid water on the leaves as they cannot tolerate cold water.
Keep warm and relatively humid out of direct sunlight.
Propagator or mist bench 20C with bottom heat.
Do not need covering if kept in medium light level conditions.
New roots and then shoots will develop from base of petiole.
When plantlets form remove covers, and allow to grow on until large enough to pot up individually.
Whole process can take 6-12 months,
Water carefully from below with warm water.
104
What plant can be propagated using the leaf laminar sections method?
Streptocarpus
105
When can you propagate Streptocarpis using the leaf laminar sections method?
Anytime when in growth.
106
Describe how to propagate Streptocarpis using the leaf laminar sections method?
Can be done anytime when in growth.
Select a full grown leaf and cut in 2 halves along midrib which should be discarded.
Using a seed tray make a shallow trench and insert the leaf, cut side down and firm into fine cutting compost with perlite for extra aeration.
Water carefully and cover.
Keep warm and relatively humid out of direct sunlight.
Closed case propagator or mist bench at 20C
New roots and then shoots will develop from cut surfaces.
When plantlets form remove covers and allow them to grow on unil large enough to pot up individually.
107
Describe what the leaf laminar sections and leaf slashing method of propagation with Begonia Rex?
Select fully expanded leaf.
Cut across the main veins on the underside.
Pin the leaf cut side down onto the fine cuttings compost with extra perlite added for drainage/aeration.
Alternatively cut the leaf into squares 2.5cm across each with a main vein.
Pin the squares to the surface of a fine cuttings compost in a tray.
Cover.
108
What is a leaf bud cutting?
A section of stem with axillary bud and leaf.
| New shoot growth arises from the axillary bud.
109
What plants can you use for LEAF BUD CUTTINGS?
Camellia japonica
110
What method can be used to take LEAF BUD CUTTINGS of Camellia japonica?
Leaf bud cuttings can be taken from softwood/semi ripe and hardwood material. Choose a plant with well-developed buds.
• Cut the stem into pieces so that each cutting has a short piece of stem, a leaf and an axillary bud.
• Cutting should be 2cm below each leaf and a further cut just above.
• Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder or gel.
• Plant into media of grit sand and cuttings compost with the bud just above the surface.
• Place them in a mist unit with bottom heat or in a plastic bag in a warm shady place.
Once rooted and new shoots developing, pot on and grow on in a cold frame.
Growth will be slow. Ready to plant out the following Autumn, but often grown on in containers until larger.
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How to take DOUBLE LEAF BUD Cuttings of Clematis Montana?
Technique used for shrubs/climbers.
Most stem cuttings are NODAL these are INTERNODAL
Spring - Late Summer
• Select healthy paired leaves with prominent buds
• Cut 5cm below each leaf joint (node)
• Cut just above the leaf joint, taking care not to damage the two buds
• Snip off one leaf completely
• Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder or gel.
• Plant into media of grit sand and cuttings compost.
• Push the stems all the way in until the leaf joint is sitting on the compost surface.
• Warm bottom heat is good 20C.
• In light, but away from direct sunlight.
• Keep moist in heated propagator or mist unit and wait 6-8 weeks.
Once rooted and new shoots developing pot on and grow on in a coldframe
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What plants can you take ROOT cuttings from?
Papaver orientale
| Primula denticulata
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When can you take ROOT CUTTINGS of Papaver orientale or Primula denticulata?
Late Autumn - Early Winter.
| November - January
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What 2 categories do ROOT cuttings fall into?
Thick - which are inserted vertically. (Papaver orientale)
| Thin - which are positioned horizontally on the soil surface and are longer lengthwise. (Primula denticulata)
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How do you take root cuttings (both thick and thin)?
November - January
Choose vigorous clumps to propagate.
Lift the plant when dormant and wash the roots.
Remove no more than 1/3 of the root system from the parent plant, and replant the parent plant as soon as possible.
Select young vigorous (pencil thick for THICK roots) roots and cut them off close to the crown with a sharp knife or secateurs.
Remove fibrous lateral roots.
THICK ROOTS - Papaver Orientale
Cut each root into 5-10cm lengths making a horizontal cut at the upper end an angled cut at the lower end to maintain polarity.
Fill pots with cutting compost - equal parts peat free compost and perlite or sand/grit.
Insert cuttings 4 cm apart so that the horizontal surface of the root is just below the compost.
Top dress with 1cm layer of grit.
THIN ROOTS - Primula denticulata
Cut each root into 7.5-12.5cm lengths.
Cut straight across at both ends. The thinner they are the longer they should be.
Position horizontally on surface of gritty compost and cover with 5mm compost then top dress with grit.
Water the pots lightly and place in a cold frame.
When new growth is seen in Spring check to see that new roots have grown, and pot on until a new root system develops.
Grow on in a cold frame.
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Which way do we plant THICK roots in root cuttings?
Vertically
| Papaver orientale
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Which way do we plant THIN roots in root cuttings?
Horizontally
| Primula denticulata
