The succulent banana, named for its unique resemblance to the banana, is popular among succulent lovers for its lovely appearance and relative ease of maintenance. The meatiness of breeding bananas not only allows us to have more plants to decorate our living space, but also allows us to experience the wonderful process of plant reproduction. Mastering the correct breeding method is the key to successfully breeding the new succulent life of banana.
Banana Meaty Reproduction Method
1. Leaf propagation
Blade selection
Leaf insertion is one of the most commonly used methods to propagate the succulent banana. First of all, choose healthy, complete, disease-free and full-grown leaves. In general, leaves selected from the middle and lower parts of the plant are more suitable, because these leaves are relatively mature, have sufficient nutrient reserves, and are more likely to take root and germinate. For example, when selecting leaves, avoid leaves that are damaged, yellowed, or shriveled, which may not be able to reproduce properly.
Procedure for inserting a leaf
Gently break off the selected leaves from the mother plant, taking care to keep the base of the leaves intact to avoid damaging the growth point. After breaking off the leaves, the leaves can be placed in a ventilated and cool place to dry for 1-2 days to allow the wound to heal naturally, which can reduce the risk of infection. Prepare a loose, breathable, well-drained leaf insert substrate, such as vermiculite, peat soil and perlite mixture. Lay the blade flat on the substrate with the blade facing up and the back facing down, then place it in a well-ventilated environment with scattered light. Under suitable temperature and humidity conditions, after 2-3 weeks, small buds and roots will begin to grow at the base of the leaves.
2. Stem propagation
Stem selection
When propagating stems, choose healthy, sturdy stem segments with a certain number of leaves. The length of the stem segment is generally about 3-5 cm. Sharp scissors or blades can be used for cutting, and tools should be disinfected before cutting to prevent infection. For example, when cutting stem segments, make sure the incision is smooth, which facilitates wound healing and the emergence of new roots.
Stem insertion process and follow-up care
Place the cut stem in a cool, ventilated place to dry the wound for about 1-3 days. After drying, the stem segments are inserted into the prepared substrate, which may be of a loose, breathable soil mixture similar to that of the leaf inserts. The insertion depth is about 1/3-1/2 of the length of the stem segment. After insertion, to keep the substrate wet, you can spray the right amount of water, but avoid water accumulation. It is placed in a warm, bright place with scattered light, and the temperature is maintained at about 18-25 ° C for rooting. After a period of time, generally about 3-4 weeks, the stem will take root and germinate, and gradually grow into a new plant.
3. Branch propagation
Timing and judgment of plant division
When bananas grow to a certain degree of succulence, some side shoots or daughter plants will sprout around the mother plant. When these lateral buds grow to a certain size and have their own independent root system and 3-5 leaves, they are ready for split-plant propagation. Generally, it is more appropriate to divide in spring or autumn, because the temperature is moderate in these two seasons, the plant growth is more vigorous, and the survival rate after the division is higher.
Main points of branch operation and maintenance
When dividing, carefully separate the side buds from the mother plant. You can gently move with your hand first, and if the side bud is tightly connected to the mother plant, you can use scissors or knives to assist, but be careful to avoid damaging the root system of the mother plant and side bud. After separation, the root system should be checked for integrity, and if there is damage, it should be properly pruned, and then the side buds should be planted in a new pot filled with suitable soil. The newly planted side buds should be watered with appropriate amount of water, placed in a ventilated place with scattered light for maintenance, avoid direct sunlight and over-watering, and gradually increase the amount of light and watering after they adapt to the new environment.
Maintenance And Management After Reproduction
1. Light management
Initial light requirement
In the early stage of banana meaty reproduction, whether it is leaf insertion, stem insertion or branch propagation of new plants, can not be directly exposed to strong light. Because their roots are still weak and can’t withstand intense light and heat. It should be placed in a place where there is scattered light, such as indoors near a window but away from direct sunlight, or outdoors using a sunshade net to block part of the sun. In summer, for example, even resilient, new, succulent banana plants need proper shade to prevent their leaves from burning.
Post-light adjustment
With the growth of new plants and the gradual development of roots, the light intensity and time can be gradually increased. Generally, after 2-3 months of growth, you can move it to a place with more sunlight, but you should also pay attention to observe the reaction of the plant, if the leaves appear red, yellow or slow growth phenomenon, it may be too strong light, need to adjust properly. In winter, the light is relatively weak, you can try to let the plant receive more sunlight to promote photosynthesis and growth.
2. Water management
Watering frequency control
After breeding, the fleshy bananas are more sensitive to water requirements. Before taking root, it is necessary to maintain a certain humidity in the substrate, but not too humid. It can be sprayed or lightly watered to moisten the surface of the substrate. For example, spray every 2-3 days for leaf insertion, and water a little every 3-5 days for stem insertion and branch propagation. After taking root, you can gradually increase the frequency of watering, but still follow the principle of “dry watering thoroughly” to avoid water causing root rot. In the summer high temperature, water evaporation fast, can be appropriate to increase the number of watering, but pay attention to watering in the morning and evening when cool; In winter, water should be reduced, generally every 1-2 weeks, or even less, because winter plants grow slowly and require less water.
Water quality requirement
When watering, pay attention to the choice of water quality. It is best to use rainwater, dried tap water or pure water. Tap water contains chlorine and other substances, if used directly may cause damage to the plant, drying 1-2 days can let the chlorine in the water evaporate. At the same time, avoid using water that contains too many minerals or is contaminated, which may accumulate in the soil and affect the growth of the plant.
3. Temperature management
Suitable temperature range
Bananas are succulent and grow at temperatures between 15 and 28 ° C. In the curing process after breeding, try to keep the temperature within this range. In the high temperature in summer, when the temperature exceeds 30 ° C, the growth rate of the plant will slow down, pay attention to ventilation and cooling, you can adjust the indoor temperature by placing fans around or using air conditioning, but avoid air conditioning wind blowing directly to the plant. In winter, when the temperature is below 10 ° C, the plant may enter a dormant state, pay attention to keep warm, you can move the plant to a warm place in the room, such as near the heating, but also to avoid too high temperature or too dry.
Response to temperature change
Sudden changes in temperature are not conducive to the growth of the banana’s fleshy growth. For example, in the spring and autumn season, the temperature difference between day and night is large, pay attention to the warmth at night. You can cover the plant with a layer of insulation material such as plastic film or a thin quilt at night, but you should uncover it in time during the day to allow the plant to receive light and fresh air. When moving plants from indoor to outdoor or from outdoor to indoor, it is also important to pay attention to the gradual transition so that the plants have time to adjust to the change in temperature.
4. Fertilization management
Time and type of fertilization
In the early stages of succulent banana reproduction, fertilizer is generally not required, because the plant relies mainly on its own stored nutrients to grow. When the new plant grows for 2-3 months and the root system is more developed, fertilization can begin. When fertilizing, choose a fertilizer suitable for succulents, such as succulent fertilizer, thin liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer. For example, succulent fertilizer contains a variety of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and the proportion is suitable for the growth needs of succulent plants. You can apply fertilizer once every 2-3 months, and pay attention to thin fertilizer frequently when applying fertilizer to avoid burning the root of thick fertilizer.
Fertilization methods and precautions
When fertilizing, the fertilizer can be dissolved in water and then poured into the soil together when watering, so that the fertilizer can be evenly distributed in the matrix and easy for the plant to absorb. Slow release fertilizer can also be buried on the surface of the soil, but be careful not to go near the root system of the plant. In the process of fertilization, we should pay attention to observe the reaction of the plant, if the leaves appear barren, green and soft or yellow phenomenon, it may be too much fertilization or the type of fertilizer is not suitable, to adjust the fertilizer amount or replace the fertilizer type in time.
Common Problems And Solutions In The Reproductive Process
1. Leaf or stem rot
Cause analysis
Leaf or stem rot is a common problem during succulent banana reproduction, mainly due to excessive watering, poor substrate or wound infection. For example, in leaf or stem insertion, if the substrate is too wet and poorly ventilated, it is easy to lead to leaf or stem segment base rot. In addition, if the tool is not disinfected or the wound is not healed when the leaf is broken or the stem is cut, it is also easy to cause bacterial infection, leading to rot.
Solution measure
If leaf or stem rot is found, treat it promptly. Remove the decaying part with a sharp knife, making sure healthy tissue is not infected. The wound is then disinfected and can be applied with a bactericide such as carbendazim. At the same time, the frequency of watering and the permeability of the substrate should be adjusted to keep the substrate slightly moist and well ventilated. If the rot is more severe, it may be necessary to re-select the leaves or stem segments for propagation.
2. Difficulty in taking root
Possible factor
Rooting difficulties may be due to reasons such as inappropriate temperature, unsuitable substrate, or lack of nutrition. For example, too high or too low temperature is not conducive to root germination, generally between 18-25 ℃ is more suitable. If the substrate is too compact or lacking nutrients, it will also affect root growth. In addition, during the breeding process, if the leaves or stem segments themselves are not nutritious, it may also lead to rooting difficulties.
Coping strategy
To solve the problem of difficulty in rooting, the following measures can be taken. To adjust the temperature, place the breeding container in a suitable temperature environment, such as using a heating pad or air conditioning to adjust the temperature. Replace the appropriate substrate, choose a loose, breathable, well-drained and containing certain nutrients, such as adding a mixture of vermiculite, perlite and leaf soil. If it is insufficient nutrition, you can add a small amount of root powder or nutrient solution in the matrix, but pay attention to the concentration is not too high, so as not to cause damage to the plant.
3. Poor growth of new plants
Investigation of influencing factors
Poor growth of new plants can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient or excessive light, improper water management, improper fertilization, and infestation by diseases and pests. For example, lack of light can cause plants to grow barren and leaves to thin and turn green. Too much light can make the leaves yellow, red and even burn. Too much or too little watering will affect the growth of the plant, too much fertilization will lead to root burning, too little fertilization will make the plant lack nutrients, slow growth. Pests and diseases such as scale insects, aphids, etc., eat the SAP of the plant, resulting in yellow leaves and wilting.
Comprehensive solution
First of all, we should investigate the possible influencing factors and make adjustments according to the specific situation. If it is a lighting problem, adjust the light intensity and time; If it is a water problem, control the frequency and amount of watering; If it is a fertilization problem, the amount and type of fertilizer should be adjusted. For diseases and pests, it is necessary to detect and take appropriate control measures in time, such as using physical methods (such as tweezers to remove pests), biological methods (such as releasing natural enemy insects) or chemical methods (such as spraying insecticides or fungicides) for control. At the same time, we should pay attention to keep the growth environment of the plant clean and well ventilated, and create a suitable growth environment for the plant.
Conclusion
The reproduction of bananas with meat requires us to master the correct method and carefully manage the maintenance process after breeding. By understanding the operation points of different breeding methods, the key links of post-breeding care management, and the solutions to common problems, we can improve the reproductive success of banana succulents, breed more healthy and beautiful banana succulents, and let these lovely little plants shine in our lives.
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