Quite apart from the fact that the hibiscus bush is really easy to care for and still impresses with its blooms, it is also just as easy to propagate. So if you would like to double or triple your piece of jewelry in the garden, that won't be a problem even for beginners. How to propagate hibiscus in water?
Incidentally, it is not only the marshmallow that can be propagated in this way. You can also do this with indoor hibiscus, ideally if you wanted to prune the plants anyway.
Propagating hibiscus in water – it’s that easy
Quick and easy with simple water: Many plants can be propagated this way, including hibiscus. But what needs to be taken into account for success?
When is the right time?
During maintenance pruning, you will receive the necessary materials to propagate the plant, namely the branches. Topiary pruning of garden shrubs usually takes place in February. You can then use some of the clippings instead of throwing them away.
How to prune the shrub in winterread here.
However, it is even more advisable to cut the necessary amount of branches during the summer, and more precisely between May and July. Then the plants are already growing and particularly strong.
Choose the right cuttings
- Regardless of whether it is a garden marshmallow, indoor hibiscus or giant hibiscus, look for suitable branches. Before you vote, you should make sure they are not injured or sick. Ultimately, you want to raise healthy young plants.
- Preferably take branches that have neither buds nor flowers. If there is no other choice, these parts of the plant should be removed.
- The shoot that you want to cut and use as a cutting should be about 12 cm long.
- The cut should be smooth and not crush or tear the branch. An angle of 45 degrees is ideal.
- Remove the bottom leaves. In any case, leaves should still remain on the branch. The only important thing is that they are not in the water later as they will rot.
Also read:Propagate forsythia in autumn with instructions for cutting wood
How to then propagate the hibiscus in water
- Take any container that is large enough not to fall over from the weight of the shoot(s).
- Fill it with enough water so that the branches are about 5 centimeters deep in water.
- Although you can place several shoots in one container, separate ones are recommended.
- Place the cuttings in a bright and warm place, but free from direct sun.
- Now it's time to wait until roots have formed. This usually takes a few weeks. Meanwhile, you should remove the old water every two to three days and replace it with fresh water.
Bonus-Tipp: You can help the cuttings form new roots by considering a hood for them. For example, if you have a bell jar that is the right size, that would be ideal. You can also use a large plastic bottle that you cut open at the bottom in this way. It is important that the plant still has enough light with the hood. Every day, spray the hibiscus cuttings with water. In this way you increase the humidity under the hood, which is beneficial for root formation. The procedure is similar if you put the cuttings directly in soil instead of in water.
When can you plant the cuttings in soil?
When you recognize the first roots, there is great joy. However, you should be patient because the roots have to grow a little before you can plant them. When is it finally time?
Wait until the roots are about 3 centimeters long. Even better would be 5 centimeters. Then you can prepare a pot (or several if you have propagated multiple cuttings) with regular potting soil and plant your baby plants. It is important to continue to keep the soil moderately moist afterwards so that the roots can grow well and do not accidentally dry out. To this end, continue to avoid direct sun.
As soon as the first new leaves appear, you can assume that the hibiscus has grown well and you canproceed to usual care, before you plant it in the garden at some point (if it is the perennial hibiscus or garden marshmallow).
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