Propagating indoor bougainvillea by cuttings
Cutting bougainvillea is one of the fastest options to get a new plant in a short time. Of no small importance is the fact that with this method of reproduction, a young bush can bloom already next year. In general, this climbing shrub is rather capricious and does not take root well. But if everything is done correctly, new sprouts will not be long in coming.
When to cut?
Bougainvillea can be propagated from spring to late summer. However, from the practice of experienced florists, it has been noticed that twigs rooted from March to April take root best.
How to choose the “right” cutting?
Only well-ripened lignified shoots are suitable for cuttings. On an adult bush, choose last year's branch, you can with a young growth, and cut it obliquely so that the length of the cutting is from 7 to 15 cm.
The stalk must have at least 2 viable buds. The distance between the lower kidney and the cut is at least 5 cm.
To speed up rooting, the cutting can be processed in a growth promoter.
How to root a stalk?
Most often bougainvillea rooted in the soil, as it can rot in water. This requires:
- Put pieces of polystyrene on the bottom in a small flowerpot or a plastic glass with a volume of 0.5 liters. It will create an air barrier between the bottom of the container and the soil, thanks to which the water will not stagnate in the ground, and will drain under the foam, and the young roots will feel the moisture and begin to reach for it. In addition, with such a "lining" the handle will be warm and comfortable.
- Top with nutritious but light soil (a mixture of sand and peat). It is not necessary to ram it.
- It's good to shed the ground.
- Using a pencil, make a depression and set the stalk into it at an angle of 45 degrees, dipping it along the first lower bud. Squeeze the soil around it tightly.
- Cover the container on top with a second glass or bag.
- Put on a warm windowsill, but not in the sun itself, but in the shade of another flowerpot.
The lower leaves on the cutting can be torn off before rooting, and the young top can be cut off.
When the earth in the glass is almost completely dry, you will need to moisten it still.
Features of transplanting a rooted cuttings
When roots are formed on the cutting and the glass is completely filled, it must be transplanted to a permanent place in a pot with a nutritious and loose substrate.
Since the roots of the flower are very fragile, when transplanting, it is impossible to compact the earth around the bush so as not to break them.
You should not rush with a transplant so that the young plant grows stronger. Usually the whole rooting process takes 2-3 months.