Propagating your plants is a special pleasure for many hobby gardeners. For some plants, sowing is recommended, for others cutting offshoots or cuttings. With the Christ thorn both are possible and promising.
How can you multiply the Christ thorn?
Christ's thorn can be propagated by sowing or cuttings. Sowing requires around 20-30 days of germination, while cuttings should be at least 8-10 cm long and take around 30 days to root. Keep both methods evenly moist and at least 20°C, preferably 24°C.
The sowing of the Christ thorn
Sowing the Christ thorn is not particularly complicated. However, it takes some time to get a sizable plant. It is best to sow in a seed tray that is perforated at the bottom and filled with growing substrate. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and place the bowl in a bright and warm place, but not in direct sun. You may want to shade the seeds during midday.
Cover the bowl with a glass pane or clear plastic film and keep the substrate evenly moist. Alternatively, place the seed trays in an indoor greenhouse (€24.00 on Amazon). After about 20 to 30 days, your seeds should germinate. Only when the seedlings hit the window or foil do you remove the cover completely. Shortly beforehand, air the young plants daily. With a size of eight to ten centimeters, the plants can be repotted individually into small pots.
Propagation by cuttings
The easy-care Christ thorn can also be easily propagated using cuttings or offshoots. To do this, cut off he althy and strong shoots about eight to ten centimeters long. You are also welcome to use any pruning that may just be due for propagation. It is best to prune your Christ thorn in spring.
Be sure to use clean tools when cutting to protect your Christ thorn from the transmission of diseases. Put on gloves because all parts of the Christ thorn plant are poisonous, including the milky sap. So that it can bleed out, place your cuttings in water for a short time. Then let the offshoots dry a little.
For good rooting, your cuttings need moisture and warmth. Place the cuttings 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 around 30 days until your plants are well rooted.
Important propagation tips in brief:
- Propagation possible by sowing 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, better 24 °C
- Rooting time: approx. 30 days
- Germination time: approx. 20 to 30 days
- keep evenly moist
Tip
If you prune your Christ thorn that has become too big, then think about propagation straight away. The cut shoots are often suitable as cuttings.
