Geichera: propagation by cuttings, division, leaves

The plant is known among breeders and landscape designers for the unusual color of the leaf plates, which changes several times per season. Reproduction of geyhera is possible in several ways, the choice of which depends on the capabilities of the gardener.

How geyhera breeds

The plant is photophilous, but grows well in partial shade. On waterlogged and heavy soil, geyher quickly dies. For its reproduction, the following methods are used: seeds, cuttings and division of shrubs, leaves.

When choosing a seed for breeding geyhera, it should be borne in mind that it will be possible to change the varietal qualities of the crop, which forces gardeners to choose a different method.

Propagation of geyhera by cuttings

The optimal time for propagation of geyhera by cuttings without roots is the spring and summer months: May and June. The procedure is carried out before the first flowers bloom on the crop.

Principles of grafting geyhera:

• the mother bush must be healthy: from a growing geyhera, it is necessary to cut off the shoot with part of the root;
• it is necessary to use sharp sterile, alcohol-treated scissors or a knife for the procedure;
• it is recommended to sprinkle fresh cuts on the branches with ash;
• leaf plates are removed from the cut cutting, leaving 2-3 pieces on the outlet;
• it is important to plant cuttings in a shaded area (greenhouse or greenhouse), the temperature in the room should be lower than in the environment so that the plant directs all its forces to rooting, and not the formation of buds and leaf blades;
• in the greenhouse, the stalk must be covered with a cloth, and on top with a film, which will create the most optimal humidity, excess condensate will be absorbed into the fabric;
• when planting cuttings, it is important to place them so that the sockets are above ground level. Their deepening will lead to the death of the flower.

Care for planted geyhera cuttings consists in timely watering and loosening the soil. For speedy rooting, it is allowed to use growth stimulants (Zircon).

The first roots are formed 3-5 weeks after planting: the more comfortable the conditions are for the plant, the faster the Heuchera adapts.

Planting cuttings in open ground is possible after full rooting. If this process is completed by the fall, then it is better to postpone the procedure to the spring.

Frequent watering of geyhere is not required: 1 time in two days is enough. In dry weather, moisten the soil more often. Feeding the cutting is not required if it was planted in fertile soil. When growing geyhera in acidic, loamy and heavy soil, it is recommended to feed the plant in a limited amount, halving the dosage.

Before the onset of winter frosts, the cuttings are covered with spruce branches or moss or left in a heated greenhouse.

Reproduction of geyhera by dividing the bush

Every year, the basal rosettes of the flower grow in height, at the same time the lower, dried leaf plates fall off. This process leads to the exposure of internodes, which creates an external similarity of the plant with a palm tree. Most often, changes can be noticed at 3-4 years of the life of the culture.

Shrubs with “palm” are recommended to be divided. If this method of propagation of geyhera is neglected in spring, the flower begins to experience a lack of nutrients, the shoots themselves dry out.

The division of the shrub favorably affects its growth and development:

• the breeding procedure rejuvenates the shrub, allows it to better tolerate winter frosts and summer heat;
• strengthening immunity, increasing resistance to harmful insects and diseases.

If this method of reproduction is abandoned, the “palmness” of the shrub increases, as a result of which the bare stems break under the influence of external factors, which leads to the death of the plant.

Rules for dividing geyhera in the spring:

• the bush is removed from the soil, trying to keep the root system intact as much as possible;
• the roots are thoroughly washed using running water;
• with a sharp knife, the shrub is divided into several parts so that each of them has several rosettes;
• excessively long roots are recommended to be cut;
• all rotten, diseased or pest-affected parts are removed to a healthy white tissue;
• fresh cuts must be sprinkled with a composition of coal and growth powder, or use the tool “Kornevin” and “Root”;
• remove all dry parts of the plant, then plant the divided parts around the site, for this, a geyhera is placed in the prepared hole, then sprinkle it with earth so that the leaves and rosettes remain above the soil surface, after which the plant is abundantly watered;
• as the geyhera grows, it is recommended to add soil or mulch until the ground around is completely leveled.

Favorably takes root after the geyher breeding procedure with proper care: immediately after transplantation, the shrub needs shelter and regular watering, loosening, weeding until it is fully rooted.

Propagation of geyhera leaves

Breeding culture by germinating leaf blades in water with their subsequent rooting is not practiced. As an alternative to leaf propagation of geyhera, it is preferable to use cuttings or dividing the bush.

Propagation of geyhera seeds

Among the advantages of breeding a crop with seed material are minimal labor costs and simplicity of the technique. The main disadvantage of using seeds for propagation is the lack of beautiful inflorescences, the low decorativeness of leaf plates.

To propagate geyhera in the spring, you need to prepare containers and seeds. The seed must be fresh, it is stored for six months after collection. When storing seeds in foil, they retain the ability to germinate for 1,5 years.

Before planting, the container is thoroughly washed and dried, covered with earth. The soil is moistened with a spray bottle. Since the seeds of geyhera are small, they are distributed as evenly as possible over the surface, they are not deepened.

Seeds sprout well when sufficient sunlight is provided, so the seedling container should be placed on a draft-free windowsill. To ensure the greenhouse effect, it is recommended to cover the container with seeds with a film or glass until the first shoots appear. This procedure will create an optimal temperature and prevent the development of fungal diseases.

After the first sprouts appear (2-3 weeks after planting), the glass is raised or a hole is made in it. When three leaves appear on the geyher, the seedlings dive, leaving 4-6 cm between plants.

Care for geyhera, which is propagated by seeds, is to timely moisten the soil and remove weeds. Before planting in open ground, seedlings must be hardened in the fresh air for two weeks. The optimal time for transferring geyhera to the site is the beginning of June.

Conclusion

Planting, propagating and caring for geyhera is a fascinating process that takes time and patience. A wide variety of cultivation methods allows you to choose the optimal technique suitable for the site.