get a raw azalea ( Rhododendron spp . ) fromcuttingscreates a new plant with the same characteristics as its parent . Reproducing azaleas from cuttings is often the only manner to duplicate the mode of a particular plant , since many azaleas are cross plant life that ca n’t multiply the same traits from cum . Azalea species such as flame azalea ( Rhododendron calendulaceum ) often have a narrow growing reach . flaming azalea grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture industrial plant hardiness zona 5 to 7 .
Best Azalea Cuttings
develop evergreen azalea from film editing is typically much more successful than their deciduous counterparts . During the summer after the new maturation from the leaping season has just begun to harden and ferment browned is the best time to take an azalea cutting . The most practicable cut hail from healthy plants that are not accent by malnutrition , insect harm or disease . A growing azalea branch that is brown but still flexible 3 to 6 inches from its top with several levelheaded leaves is an ideal candidate . plunge the leaf blade of your cutting shears in itch intoxicant and gentle wind - dry them is an effective way to forefend introducing diseases to your azalea and the cutting .
Preparing the Container
The Clemson University Cooperative Extension recommend commence azalea press clipping in a premix of peat and perlite in equal constituent . Wetting the soil before you insert an azalea slip encourages root and helps keep the cutting off hydrated . you could use any planting container large enough to hold the cuttings that is clean-living and has drainage hole . you could fix used containers by gargle them with a answer of 1 part blanching agent to 10 parts water .
Preparing Azalea Cuttings
Removing the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting reduces the amount of nutrients and urine it will fall back before it can establish root . Leave at least two leaves near the tip of the cutting . Trimming the stem turn just beneath the point where the first folio attach to the cutting removes excess material that can not shape root . Dipping the bottom third of the trimmed cutting in a powered rooting hormone improves its power to generate fresh root word . Gently tap the press cutting ’s shank to dislodge redundant root endocrine after douse it .
Planting Azalea Cuttings
clipping often give way to take antecedent , but planting several cuttings at the same time meliorate the betting odds that at least one will take . Azalea cuttings need 2 to 3 inches of space between the edge of the container and other cutting to thrive . Insert each cutting into the soil until the bottom third of the fore is covered and gently firm the soil around the slip ’s base to prevent it from fall over .
Caring for Azalea Cuttings
Cuttings can not replenish water they lose until they have formed new root . Maintaining a high floor of humidity around the leaves of the cutting helps reduce water passing , preventing your cuttings from dry out . you’re able to increase the humidity around an azalea cutting off by misting its leaves with urine and covering it with a clear plastic bag or the lop bottom one-half of a plastic 2 - cubic decimetre nursing bottle . Once the cutting develops roots , the plastic cover can be removed . When the cut uprise resistance to a gentle tug , its roots have set about growing . Until the roots have had time to establish themselves fully , the cutting off needs regular , light watering to keep the soil around the roots from drying out .
Safe Handling
most all parts of azalea plant are toxic when consume . fag gloves while work with cuttings and wash your tool and hired hand after you are finished help prevent suit of inadvertent intoxication . Avoid eating or handle food while you are working with the cuttings .
References
Related
