Fuchsia, commonly known as bells, sea otters, and sea breams, is a native plant from South America and typically grows as a perennial shrub. When in bloom, it resembles an overhanging admiral with vibrant colors that attract many admirers. However, fuchsias are quite sensitive to temperature, and growth can be affected when temperatures drop below 5°C or rise above 30°C. In recent years, the author has explored effective methods for producing commercial seedlings of this plant and achieved promising results. Below is a detailed summary of the key steps for the rapid propagation of the Golden Dragonfly variety.
First, prepare nutrient paper pots. Take some waste newspapers, fold them horizontally into three sections, and cut a piece of paper approximately 54 cm wide and 13 cm long. Then, take a plastic can and cut the paper around the top edge, leaving a 3–5 cm margin. Glue the edges together and fold the paper inward, shaping it into a pot about 8–10 cm tall. The final size should be a 6 cm diameter paper basket.
Next, prepare the growing medium. Mix coal ash, leaf mold, or decomposed sawdust with a small amount of garden soil. Ensure the mixture is well combined, then spread it out and disinfect it using formalin diluted 50 to 100 times. Add a little water to moisten the mix and sieve it. Additionally, create small mud balls, about 1 cm in diameter and of moderate hardness, using yellow clay or sterilized soil.
Then, perform the cutting process. Cuttings can be taken throughout the year, but it's best between mid-March to mid-April and mid-September to late October. Select 2–3 node shoots from the plant, each about 10 cm long. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts and minimize damage to the stem tissue. Leave 1–2 pairs of leaves at the top and remove the lower ones. Insert the cuttings halfway into the prepared mud balls, then place them into the paper baskets filled with the growing medium. Cover the mud ball with a thin layer of soil to secure the cutting.
After planting, the seedlings need to be shaded for the first week. Afterward, they can be maintained under normal conditions. During strong sunlight or windy weather, increase misting to keep the leaves hydrated and maintain soil moisture. Rooting usually takes 15–30 days. Once rooted, apply a solution of 1% to 2% urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate through spraying or watering to promote healthy growth. Once the roots have developed sufficiently, the seedlings can either be transplanted into pots or sold directly from the paper containers.
Spring-cut seedlings produced using this method can be harvested once or twice in spring, typically from late June to early July. These plants have some heat tolerance and can flower in the shade during summer without significant dormancy. Autumn-cut seedlings are more cold-resistant and can be kept in a greenhouse during winter without additional heating. They can withstand short periods of 0°C and prolonged exposure to 1°C, though some stress symptoms like red veins and curled leaves may appear. To ensure survival, maintain temperatures above 2°C. By the second half of the following year, the plants will begin to shape and bloom.
The ideal wintering temperature for these cuttings is between 3°C and 6°C. If the temperature is too high, the plants may become leggy. This fast-growing method is simple and practical, addressing issues such as dormancy and low-temperature sensitivity during summer. Under natural conditions, the plants can thrive for 6 to 7 months. One drawback is that the paper pots are fragile and not suitable for long-term outdoor use. (Pan Jilan)
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