Propagation from cuttings is the easiest method to rejuvenate loquats. With good planning, you increase the chances that the cuttings will develop roots. Once this step has been completed, proper care is important.
How do I propagate loquats through cuttings?
To propagate loquats through cuttings, cut 30 cm long shoots, remove excess pairs of leaves, put a plastic bag over the planter to protect against evaporation and water regularly. Rooting takes several weeks.
Cut cuttings
Cut off pieces about 30 centimeters long from shoots from the previous year. The branches should not be woody yet, but should be well matured. Use germ-free secateurs (€56.00 on Amazon) with sharp blades to create a clean cut. Torn areas provide a portal of entry for pathogens. The cuttings can be taken all year round. Spring is ideal so that the young plants can grow well until winter.
The cutting should have at least three pairs of leaves. Remove the excess pairs of leaves at the base and cut off buds and flowers so that evaporation is not too high. To reduce water loss, you should cut large leaves in half or roll them up and secure them with a rubber band. When pruning and cutting to shape, clippings are produced from which you can cut cuttings.
Planting cuttings
The cuttings are placed in a sufficiently large planter. A permeable mixture of peat and sand or perlite is suitable as potting soil. Alternatively, you can use a potting soil that you mix with sand. Insert the shoot tips into the soil about three to four centimeters deep and water the soil.
To protect against evaporation, place a plastic bag over the planter and secure the bag with a rubber band. Place the container in a shady and cool place. The soil should always be moist, but not wet.
Care
It takes several weeks for the cuttings to form roots. Not every shoot takes root successfully. Depending on the rooting strength, the cuttings must be transplanted so that they can spread better. When repotting, give the substrate a slow-release fertilizer. Only water the young plants as needed when the top layer of soil has dried out. If you want to grow a compact plant, it is advisable to remove the central shoot early. You create a standard trunk by shortening the side shoots in good time.
In the first winter:
- Place young plants in a mild place
- water regularly
- protect against evaporation
