Trailing petunias, also known as hanging petunias, are a type of ornamental flowers native to Mexico. Their cascading flowers resemble tiny lanterns, making them popular for balcony, windowsill, and study room decoration. But how do you propagate trailing petunias? Let's find out.
How to Propagate Petunias?
Trailing petunias are primarily propagated using the cutting method. It is generally recommended to perform cuttings around April in spring, as this is the peak growing season and plants have strong sprouting ability, increasing the survival rate.
Key Points for Trailing Petunia Propagation
-
Branch Selection: Choose healthy, one-year-old branches for cuttings, free from pests and diseases. Cut the branches into sections of 5-10 centimeters, ensuring a clean cut. Remove all leaves from the bottom of the cutting, leaving only 1-2 leaves at the top.
-
Potting Mix: Select suitable potting mix for cuttings. You can use clean fine sand, or a mixture of coconut coir, perlite, and river sand.
-
Propagation Method: Soak the cuttings in vitamin B12 solution for 20 minutes. Then, use a thin bamboo stick to make small holes in the sand, and insert the cuttings into the potting mix to a depth of 3 to 4 centimeters, maintaining a spacing of about 8 centimeters between cuttings for easy rooting.
-
Aftercare: After planting, place the cutting pots in a well-ventilated area with indirect sunlight, maintaining a temperature of around 20°C. Increase light exposure gradually after a week. Ensure timely watering and humidity maintenance by spraying the cuttings to keep the environment moist. Roots should develop in about 20 days. After rooting, continue nurturing for about one and a half months before transplanting the rooted cuttings into individual pots for regular care.
In summary, trailing petunias are mainly propagated by cuttings, with roots typically developing in about 20 days. Avoid immediate transplanting after rooting; instead, wait until the cuttings reach a certain height. Additionally, to maintain a pleasing plant shape, remember to pinch the tips multiple times after cutting.
