Propagation of camellia is not an easy thing, just as caring for it is not that easy either. Both sowing and propagation using cuttings can be considered. However, both methods take a lot of time.
How to successfully propagate a camellia?
To propagate a camellia, you can take cuttings when the terminal bud divides, usually in June or July. Use rooting powder, sterile growing substrate, a constant temperature (25°C) and high humidity (70-80 percent) for successful rooting. The first flowering usually occurs after three to four years.
How can I try propagation myself?
If you want to try propagating camellias, perhaps try planting cuttings first. Although sowing is also possible, the camellia seeds are not necessarily of the same variety. The plant grown from this may differ significantly in appearance from your camellia. In addition, as houseplants, camellias almost never produce germinable seeds.
When should I take cuttings?
The best time to cut these depends on the shoot growth. A shoot to be cut should not yet be woody, but should not be completely soft either. This usually happens in June or early July, when the terminal bud divides (final bud, last bud at the top of the shoot).
Sometimes propagation is also possible with older, slightly woody shoots, but they should definitely be cut before the next flowering. Feel free to give it a try if you enjoy growing plants. A heat mat (€37.00 on Amazon) under the nursery pots can help you keep the temperature consistently at the required level. Rooting powder ensures faster and reliable root formation.
Drawing cuttings step by step:
- select young, non-woody shoots
- Cut off shoot tips diagonally
- remove lower leaves
- Leave 3 leaves on top
- dip the lower end of the shoot in rooting powder
- fill sterile growing substrate into a pot
- Stick cuttings into the substrate
- Moisten the substrate
- Put foil over the pot with the cutting or place it in a greenhouse
- ensure a constant temperature (approx. 25 °C) and humidity (approx. 70 to 80 percent)
- Rooting time: approx. 8 weeks
When does a home-grown camellia bloom?
It can take several years for a home-grown camellia to bloom. Be patient and expect this not to happen until your camellia is three or four years old. When sowing, it can even take up to 20 years until the first flowering occurs. It is also important to remember that a young camellia is not hardy.
The most important things in brief:
- Seeds are not necessarily pure varieties
- Houseplants (almost) never produce germinable seeds
- best time to cut cuttings: when the so-called terminal bud divides
- Use rooting powder to accelerate root formation
- It is essential to keep the temperature and humidity constant
Tip
If you want your new camellia to look exactly like your previous one, then this can only be achieved by propagating it with cuttings. A plant grown from it is genetically identical to the mother plant.
