The rotary fruit, which is not very easy to care for, is, contrary to expectations, quite easy to propagate. You can even choose between different methods. However, sowing is not one of them. The seeds of the hydride varieties are generally not very promising.
How can I successfully propagate the rotary fruit?
The rotary fruit can be propagated by head or leaf cuttings. To do this, cut he althy shoots (7-10 cm long) or leaves and put them in a moist peat-sand mixture. Keep cuttings bright, warm and evenly moist to ensure successful propagation.
Which methods of propagation are suitable for rotary fruit?
You can cut leaf or head cuttings depending on the type of rotary crop you have. You can only cut head cuttings from stem-forming velvet bells. Choose a he althy shoot about seven to ten centimeters long. Defoliate it and leave only the top pair of leaves standing. Place the shoots individually in small pots with a mixture of peat and sand.
To obtain leaf cuttings, cut off a he althy leaf and cut it crosswise into three to four pieces. Insert the cut edges into the growing substrate, about one centimeter deep. For better stability, you can support the leaf cuttings with wooden matches or toothpicks. The cuttings take about five weeks until small plants form. Splitting the leaf along the central leaf axis increases the chances of success.
How do I care for the cuttings?
Every type of cutting should be kept warm and bright, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the substrate evenly moist. However, it must not be wet, otherwise the cuttings could rot or mold. You can repot the young plants as soon as they are about seven centimeters tall.
The rotary fruit is not hardy. Like the adult velvet bells, the young plants are also sensitive to cold, drafts and direct sunlight. Temperatures below 13 °C can certainly cause damage. If the temperatures rise above around 24 °C, then you should increase the humidity, ideally with a humidifier (€59.00 at Amazon). Spraying the plant is unsuitable for rotary fruiting as the leaves are sensitive to moisture.
The most important things in brief:
- Cut leaves into 3 to 4 parts for leaf cuttings
- Cut head cuttings approx. 7 to 10 cm long
- only use he althy plant parts for cuttings
- Keep substrate evenly moist
- Avoid wetness – risk of mold!
Tip
The easiest way to propagate your rotary fruit is to take top cuttings. It also promises the greatest success.