Propagating cypress and thuja is a rewarding process that allows you to expand your garden with these beautiful and hardy evergreens. Here’s a simplified guide to propagating these plants using cuttings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Cypress and Thuja
Materials Needed:
- Healthy parent cypress or thuja plant
- Pruning shears
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Potting mix (perlite and peat moss)
- Small pots or seed trays
- Clear plastic bags or a propagation dome
- Watering can
Step 1: Select and Prepare Cuttings
Choose Healthy Plants: Select healthy, disease-free parent plants for taking cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late summer to early autumn. Cut the Stems: Use sterilized pruning shears to cut 4-6 inch long stems from the parent plant. Choose semi-hardwood cuttings, which are mature but not fully woody. Remove Lower Leaves: Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cuttings to prevent rot and allow room for rooting.
Step 2: Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional)
Dip in Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end of each cutting into rooting hormone powder or gel to enhance root development.
Step 3: Prepare the Potting Mix
Mix the Soil: Combine equal parts of perlite and peat moss to create a well-draining potting mix. Fill the Pots: Fill small pots or seed trays with the prepared potting mix.
Step 4: Plant the Cuttings
Make Holes: Use a pencil or your finger to make holes in the potting mix for the cuttings. Insert the Cuttings: Place the cuttings into the holes, burying them about halfway. Gently firm the soil around the cuttings to hold them in place.
Step 5: Provide Optimal Growing Conditions
Water the Cuttings: Water the cuttings thoroughly after planting, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Cover for Humidity: Place clear plastic bags over the pots or use a propagation dome to maintain high humidity. This helps the cuttings retain moisture while they develop roots. Light and Temperature: Position the cuttings in a location with bright, indirect light. Maintain a temperature of around 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Step 6: Monitor and Care for the Cuttings
Check Moisture Levels: Regularly check the soil moisture and water as needed to keep it consistently damp. Ventilation: Occasionally remove the plastic bags or open the propagation dome to provide fresh air and prevent mold growth. Root Development: After 6-8 weeks, gently tug on the cuttings to check for resistance, indicating root growth.
Step 7: Transplant the Rooted Cuttings
Prepare Larger Pots: Once the cuttings have developed a healthy root system, transplant them into larger pots with standard potting soil. Gradual Acclimatization: Gradually acclimate the young plants to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time over a week or two.
Conclusion
Propagating cypress and thuja from cuttings is a straightforward and effective way to expand your garden with these elegant evergreens. By following these steps—from selecting and preparing cuttings to providing optimal growing conditions and transplanting—you can successfully cultivate new plants. Enjoy the process of nurturing these cuttings into mature trees that enhance your landscape with their beauty and resilience.