How to take cuttings from camellias. #camellia #propagation, by the_gardengoat on YouTube. 1 min 27 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 27 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Take your cuttings in July or August. Choose semi-ripe growth that has firmed up since spring, with leaves only and no flowers or buds.
Cut a healthy stem 4 to 6 inches long with clean, sharp secateurs. Make the cut just below a leaf node.
Strip the leaves from the lower third of the stem. Leave a few leaves at the top to keep the cutting going.
Wound the base by making a thin shallow scratch 1 to 2 cm long along the stem, exposing the green tissue underneath. Roots form from those wounds.
Dip the wounded end in rooting hormone and shake off the excess so you leave a thin coat rather than a clump.
Fill a small pot with cutting compost mixed with vermiculite for drainage. Make a hole, insert the cutting and firm the mix around it.
Water well, then cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or propagator lid. Keep it bright but out of direct sun and check that it stays humid.
Leave the cutting for one growing season to root. Pot it on once you see roots at the drainage holes or strong new growth.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not skip the wounding step, since it is the difference between a cutting that roots and one that sulks.
Clean and sharpen your knife before use, and always cut away from your fingers.
Skip any stem with buds or flowers, as the cutting will spend its energy on the flower instead of roots.
Keep the covered pot out of strong midday sun so the cutting does not cook inside the bag.
Questions
When is the best time to take camellia cuttings?
July and August, when the spring growth has hardened just enough. This semi-ripe wood roots far more reliably than soft new shoots or old hard stems.
How long do camellia cuttings take to root?
Usually one growing season. Be patient and do not tug at the cutting to test it, just watch for roots at the drainage holes or fresh top growth.
Do you really need rooting hormone?
It gives you a much better chance, especially on a plant known for being slow. A thin dusting on the wounded base is enough, and too much can do more harm than good.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
