Propagating camellia is not easy, just like caring for it is not easy. Both sowing and propagation with the help of cuttings can be considered. However, both methods take a lot of time.

Camellias are easy to propagate from cuttings

How can I try the propagation myself?

If you want to try propagating camellias, you might want to try cuttings first. Sowing is also possible, but the seeds of the camellia are not necessarily of the same variety. The plant grown from it can differ significantly in appearance from your camellia. In addition, camellias as indoor plants almost never produce germinable seeds.

When should I cut cuttings?

The best time to cut them depends on the growth of the shoots. A shoot to be cut should not yet be lignified, but not quite soft either. It is usually in June or early July when the terminal bud divides (end bud, last bud at the tip of the shoot).

Sometimes propagation is also successful with older, slightly woody shoots, but they should definitely be cut before the next flowering. Feel free to give it a try if you enjoy growing plants. A heat mat under the grow pots can help you keep the temperature constant at the required level. Rooting powder ensures faster and more reliable root formation.

Taking cuttings step by step:

  • choose young, non-lignified shoots
  • Cut off the shoot tips at an angle
  • remove lower leaves
  • Leave 3 leaves on top
  • Dip the lower end of the shoot in rooting powder
  • fill sterile growing substrate in a pot
  • Insert cuttings into the substrate
  • Moisten the substrate
  • Put foil over the pot with the cutting or place it in a propagator
  • ensure a constant temperature (approx. 25 °C) and humidity (approx. 70 to 80 percent).
  • Rooting time: approx. 8 weeks

When does a self-grown camellia bloom?

It can take a few years for a self-grown camellia to flower. Be patient and expect this to not happen until your camellia is three or four years old. When sowing, it can even take up to 20 years until the first flowering. It is important to remember that a young camellia is not hardy.

The essentials in brief:

  • Seeds are not necessarily varietal
  • Houseplants (almost) never produce germinable seeds
  • best time to cut cuttings: when the so-called terminal bud divides
  • Use rooting powder to accelerate root formation
  • Be sure to keep the temperature and humidity constant

tips

If you want your new camellia to look the same as your previous one, the only way to do that is to propagate with cuttings. A plant grown from it is genetically identical to the mother plant.

Category:

Vegetable garden