How to Propagate Camelias
Most of the more than 1,000 varieties of camellias produce glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant flowers in a variety of colors. The plants are hardy once they're established and these will bloom for years with minimal care. Camellias are evergreen, and many varieties bloom in the cooler months. There are a number of methods for propagating camellias. Air layering is a simple process that forces roots to grow on a stem of the plant, which can then be cut and transplanted. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sphagnum moss Sharp knife Rooting hormone Plastic wrap Electrician's tape Aluminum foil
Instructions
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Choose a stem on an established camellia that's about 17 inches long. Cut two rings around the stem about 1 inch apart close to the base and strip off both the bark and the cambium between the rings.
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Sprinkle the cut with rooting hormone. Dampen a large handful of moss and then squeeze as much of the water out of it as possible.
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Cover the cut in the camellia stem with the sphagnum moss and then wrap it with plastic wrap. Tape the ends of the plastic wrap closed at the top and bottom.
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4
Wrap the moss and plastic in aluminum foil. Tape the foil closed.
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After about 4 months, gently squeeze the wrapped moss. If it's firm, there are probably roots. If it's not firm, check again in another month.
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Cut the stem off below the moss and remove the foil and plastic wrap. Gently loosen the roots and plant the camellia stem in a pot filled with 30% builder's sand and 70% pine back mulch. Water the plant and set it in partial shade.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the plant moist. Air layering should be begun in the spring. Start in March after a mild winter, April if the winter has been severe. If roots don't form, the air-layering was unsuccessful. Start again with a different stem next spring. Transplant the camellia into your garden when it's well established, which could take as long as a year.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit The author
