Autumn gives us a thousand colors and the unique possibility of preparing a lush garden for the new season. The end of October is perfect for dedicating yourself to propagating your bougainvillea.
With a few precautions, you can start multiplying these wonderful plants and enjoy their beauty during the spring blooms.
Why is the end of October the ideal time?
The days are getting shorter and cooler temperatures of October favor an optimal environment for root formation. Furthermore, theautumn humidity helps cuttings grow strong and healthy.
Propagating bougainvilleas during this time also offers a strategic advantage: the new plants will have time to establish themselves before the arrival of hot summer temperatures.
Preparation of the necessary material
Before starting the propagation process, it is essential to have everything you need on hand.
Don’t forget to bring one clean and sharp secateursan offshoot vase or container, of the special soil for cuttings or a mix of sand and soil, a vaporizer and, optionally, rooting hormones.
Selection of stems to propagate
The choice of rods is one of the most critical phases. Opt for tige that appear healthy and robustpreferably those that have delivered significant growth this year.
Avoid stems that are too young or too old, as their rooting capacity could be compromised.
Preparation of cuttings
Using yours affilato pruning shearscut rod segments of approximately 10-15 cm, making sure that each segment contains at least three knots.
Remove the leaves from the lower nodes to encourage less evaporation, keeping only the upper leaves.
Treatment and planting of cuttings
Dip the ends of the cuttings into the rooting hormones to increase the chances of success.
Fill a vase with the soil mix and gently insert the cuttings, remembering to lightly compact the soil around them to ensure good contact.
Rosing and maintenance
Make sure the cuttings receive an adequate amount of water without drowning the soil. Place the pot in one area bright but sheltered from direct sunlight and maintain constant irrigation with the help of the vaporizer.
Observation and patience
The rooting process can take several weeks. Be patient and gradually observe the changes in the cuttings.
You will notice new shoots indicating that the process is successful and that your plants are ready to be acclimated to normal conditions.
Additional tips
Temperature and lighting
Keep cuttings in an environment with temperatures between 18 e 24°Cavoiding temperature changes and air currents. Provide indirect light to aid in root formation.
Moisture
L’humidity it is fundamental. You can create a small greenhouse by covering the pot with a transparent plastic bag, promoting a humid microclimate around the cuttings.
Repotting
Once the cuttings have established their root systems, transfer them to individual pots. Be sure to use normal soil and acclimate them to an environment with more light gradually.
