The propagation of their plants is a special pleasure for many hobby gardeners. For some plants, sowing is more advisable, for others cutting offshoots or cuttings. With the thorn of Christ, both are possible and promising.
Christ's thorn can be easily propagated by cuttings
The sowing of the thorn of Christ
The sowing of the Christ thorn is not particularly complicated. However, it will take some time before you get a sizeable plant. It is best to sow in a seed tray that is perforated on the bottom and filled with growing substrate. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and place the tray in a light and warm spot, but not in direct sun. Possibly shade the seeds during midday.
Cover the tray with a sheet of glass or clear plastic wrap and keep the substrate evenly moist. Alternatively, place the seed trays in an indoor greenhouse. After about 20 to 30 days, your seeds should germinate. Only when the seedlings touch the pane or foil do you remove the cover completely. Shortly before, air the young plants daily. With a size of eight to ten centimetres, the little plants can be repotted individually in small pots.
Propagation by cuttings
The easy-care Christ's thorn can also be easily propagated by cuttings or offshoots. Cut off healthy and strong shoots about eight to ten centimeters long. You are also welcome to use the pruning that may just be due for propagation. The best time to prune your Christ Thorn is in the spring.
Be sure to use clean tools when cutting to protect your thorn from spreading diseases. Put on gloves because all parts of the thorn plant are poisonous, including the milky sap. So that this can bleed out, put your cuttings in water for a short time. Then let the offshoots dry a bit.
For good rooting, your cuttings need moisture and warmth. Put the offshoots in potting soil or a mixture of soil and sand, water them and place the pots in a bright and evenly warm place. The temperature should not be below 20 °C, but 24 °C would be better. It will take about 30 days for your seedlings to take root.
Important propagation tips in brief:
- Propagation possible by seed or cuttings
- When pruning, think about propagation and cut cuttings
- Cut cuttings at least 8 to 10 cm long
- ideal temperature for rooting: at least 20 °C, preferably 24 °C
- Rooting period: approx. 30 days
- Germination period: approx. 20 to 30 days
- keep evenly moist
tips
If you prune your Christ thorn that has grown too big, then think about the multiplication. The cut shoots are often good as cuttings.