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Popular coniferous cultures in nature are more often propagated by seeds or vegetatively. But in the nurseries and in the circle of gardeners, reproduction of tuja with cuttings in spring is more common, allowing:
- Save time and effort to germinate the seed and bring it to the state of a strong viable seedling;
- To preserve all the varietal characteristics of the parent plant, which would have necessarily been lost in the seed method.
If an independent growing of saplings a summer resident is engaged for the first time, it is important for him to know how the tuya breeds.
Preparation of cuttings for growth in spring
Harvesting cuttings from conifers, their adaptation and planting, are significantly different from the technology of working with deciduous species, which is well known to many.
The optimal harvesting time for planting material is the end of March and the whole of April. Awakened from winter rest, bushes begin to grow, so cut off pieces of shoots are a natural stimulus to growth and rooting.
In the spring, for the reproduction of thuya cuttings from strong, well-developed shrubs, cut off the tops of at least 10-12 cm in length. The diameter of the future seedlings should not be less than 5-8 mm. Taken as cuttings, one-year shoots of lateral branches are much faster and more willing to form roots than those that are cut off from the top.
How to proceed? How to multiply thujus cuttings at home? Planting material of many hardwood crops in such a case is enough to immerse in a container of water. After a while, the root forms roots, with which it will go to the ground for further growth. In coniferous plants, the process of root formation is somewhat difficult, so the cuttings need a little help:
- Fresh cuttings at the base are cut obliquely.
- Close to the cut, gently pry and remove the bark.
- Above the shoot make several thin longitudinal incisions.
- The needles are removed, leaving only the ends of the shoots.
It is necessary to perform these operations quite quickly, so that the cuttings do not fade.
Thanks to the cuts made to the future roots, it will be easier to overcome the bark, and removing the needles will help to avoid decay after planting.
In this form, pieces of shoots are put in the root stimulus solution. In a jar of water cuttings for reproduction of thuja should stay for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the rootlets are awakened, which increases the probability and accelerates rooting.
Rooting and planting of thuja cuttings for reproduction
While the planting material is waiting for its turn, containers and ground are being prepared for planting. Tanks must have drainage holes for excess moisture. As a substratum for the reproduction of thuja by cuttings it is convenient to take washed and disinfected sand in a mixture with peat. Neutralize harmful microflora and insect larvae with:
- abundant watering with a solution of potassium permanganate or phytosporin;
- boiling water spilled abundantly on the soil layer;
- by roasting in the oven.
Cuttings are planted at a distance of not less than three centimeters from each other. In case of a multiple row fit between rows, leave 8-10 cm. The same distance should be up to the edge of the container or pot.
Tightness is dangerous for seedlings, the roots of which risk being intertwined and broken during transplantation into the open ground.
Shallow, up to 15 mm holes are made at an inclination of 45 degrees. When all the thuja cuttings for her reproduction in spring found their place, the soil around them is slightly compacted, and then the planting is watered.
Tui seedlings care for vegetative reproduction
While on the shanks of thuya there are no strong roots, they need protection from the weather:
- direct sunlight;
- wind;
- rain;
- probable spring frosts.
The best shelter for the first two months will be a small hotbed or a greenhouse. At this time the seedlings are provided with daily watering, which is extremely necessary in dry, sunny, warm weather.
On particularly hot days, rooting cuttings for the reproduction of thuja are useful for sprinkling with warm water, using the smallest sprinkling. The film on the greenhouse is changed to a thin fabric or nonwoven material.
Over the summer, properly planted and well-nourished plants grow their own roots. Therefore, young thai can be safely transferred to a place where shrubs for 2-3 years are fully formed, or in separate pots for growing in a container.
The roots of ornamental conifers are quite fragile. Work with them carefully, trying not to damage. It is more convenient if, during transplantation, the seedling retains a small earthen lump that will protect the rhizomes and accelerate acclimatization.
Video about the reproduction of tuja cuttings at home will help beginners to understand the intricacies of the process and avoid mistakes that will postpone the appearance of new evergreen shrubs for a year. After transplanting into the ground, thui receive the same care as their adult counterparts. But to monitor the cleanliness of the soil under the plants need especially carefully, otherwise the weeds can "strangle" small shrubs.
