Propagation of lilies by cuttings
This is a rather original and non-standard way, proving that you can propagate lilies using any of their parts. In particular, they choose leaves with stem parts, stem segments with a dormant bud, and just individual leaves. The general principle of reproduction looks like this:
- cuttings for planting are selected after flowering. However, for better rooting, you can take cuttings and leaves during the budding period;
- the upper part of the massive stem is divided into equal parts with 5-7 leaves;
- on each division, all lower leaves are removed, leaving only 2-3 upper leaves;
- prepared leaves and cuttings are kept in any growth stimulator for 8-12 hours;
- planting material is planted in a fertile substrate with good drainage;
- deepen the cuttings and leaves by half their length, setting at a slight angle (45-60 degrees);
- then the cuttings are watered and covered with cellophane wrap or glass jars;
- daily plantings are aired, removing the shelter for 30-40 minutes. Each time the bag is turned inside out or replaced with a new one. The jar is wiped dry daily;
- after 1-2 months, on the areas of leaves and stems that are in the ground, baby bulbs will appear, which give roots and put out leaves. They can be separated and transplanted into separate rearing containers;
- in spring, young bulbs appear on the stems and leaves, which can be planted in open ground.
Test tube hosts
Separately, I would like to talk about the most modern and effective method of host vegetative propagation, which is used on an industrial scale by specialized nurseries. "InVitro", literal translation from Latin - "in glass": such plants are grown in test tubes. This method allows large quantities of the same variety to be multiplied and put on the market in a short time.
Today, in the production of planting material, two methods of reproduction "InVitro" are used: microclonal and meristem.
Micropropagation
With the microclonal reproduction method, a shoot or even a bud separated from the mother plant is placed on an artificial environment, providing the desired temperature and light conditions, while constantly maintaining a certain humidity. After a few weeks, the grown plants adapt to the new conditions, and they can be divided again into cuttings or buds and planted again for propagation in test tubes.
A piece of rhizome with a bud of renewal
The microclonal propagation method allows you to get tens and hundreds of thousands of plants all year round and in the shortest possible time from just one kidney or shoot of a mother plant. A significant drawback of this reproduction method is the spread of dangerous host viral diseases, which, unfortunately, does not happen so rarely.
Meristem reproduction
Meristem reproduction, or the tissue culture method, is used to heal the mother plant from viral infection and other dangerous diseases. The cells located in the very depths of the kidneys are called meristem cells, and the presence of viruses and other diseases in them is minimal.
After special healing procedures, fragments of meristem tissue are isolated under a microscope and placed on artificial media, where cells give life to new plants. Each of these plants undergoes complex analyzes to detect a viral infection, at the slightest suspicion, culling is carried out, and only from healthy plants clones are selected for further reproduction.
The ‘June’ host is an example of how micropropagation does not always preserve the properties of the mother plant
Unfortunately and contrary to popular belief, plants produced by such methods of InVitro propagation do not always retain 100% varietal characteristics of mother plants. Some components of artificial environments can cause hereditary changes in cells. Sometimes the clone is so different from the mother plant that such a beautiful mutant is given the status of a new variety.
Hosta 'Halcyon'
Such a story, for example, happened with the famous and very popular ‘June’, obtained through micropropagation ‘Halcyon’ hosts. Therefore, an obligatory step in this propagation method is to check the plants for varietal purity. Unfortunately, some firms neglect this stage of verification, rushing to distribute new varieties as quickly as possible, while pursuing purely commercial interests.
Buy varietal hosts, propagated by the InVitro method, in a vegetative state with fully expanded leaves and closed root system - then you can compare plants with the original varieties as accurately as possible.
Hosta - boarding and transfer
It is better to plant hosts in the fall to avoid problems with plant storage or site preparation in the spring. Before planting, you need to inspect the plant and remove rotten roots.
It is better to choose a shaded site for planting.
The depth of the hole is not less than 30 cm deep, the width is twice the diameter of the crown of a mature plant. Distance between bushes: large plants - 80 cm, medium - 50 cm, small 30 cm, dwarf - 15 cm.
Before planting, complex fertilizers can be applied to the holes, which will allow you not to feed the plants for the first couple of seasons.
When planting, it is important to pour fertile soil over the roots and water abundantly. Sprinkle the root collar with peat, watered every 3-4 days
Transplant hosts
You can transplant hosts in spring or fall. The plant is removed and the roots are placed directly with all the soil in the hole. You cannot plant hosts in a place where plants of their species grew, since pests, diseases and harmful substances released by their predecessors remain in the soil, they will inhibit the growth of new plants.
Can I grow in an apartment?
Disputes about whether the hosta is suitable for growing at home often arise among gardeners. Some believe that the plant is intended only for outdoor cultivation in the garden or in the summer cottage, and it makes no sense to keep it as an indoor flower. Others, on the other hand, consider the hosta to be a spectacular decoration for the winter garden and successfully grow in pots.
However, growing a plant in an apartment has its own specifics and requires a careful selection of varieties. To do this, select not too large varieties that will not experience discomfort while in the pot. If the seed method is used for breeding, then the freshly harvested seeds are slightly dried and stored in the refrigerator for a month. 30 minutes before planting, they are placed in any growth stimulant, for example, in "Kornevin" or "Epin".
However, with this method of reproduction, it should be remembered that it does not guarantee new plants to preserve all the varietal qualities of the parent individuals. As a substrate for planting seeds, a ready-made mixture is used that has undergone antibacterial treatment and does not contain spores of fungus and pathogens. Choose a plastic pot with small holes in the bottom. It must be treated with alcohol or potassium permanganate, drainage is laid and nutritious soil is poured.
Then take a small portion of the formula and pour it into a plastic container. Seeds are scattered on top and sprinkled with a centimeter layer of earth. Then the soil is lightly tamped and watered, trying not to wash the seed material onto the surface. Seeds are usually poured in more, since the germination rate of the hosta is poor, and many of them will not sprout. Next, the container is covered with a bag to prevent moisture evaporation and removed to a shaded place with a temperature of 18-25 degrees.Periodically, the planting is opened and sprayed with warm water.
After 2-3 weeks after the appearance of the first shoots, the film is removed, and the container is rearranged to a bright place. Then they wait for the appearance of 2 young leaves, after which the seedlings are transplanted into separate pots. Watering young plants is carried out by placing the pots in a pan with water, in which they are kept until the soil in the pots is moistened.
For the winter, many gardeners recommend removing the plant in a basement with a temperature of 2 degrees. The meaning of this manipulation is to create conditions for the plant close to outdoor conditions, which makes the flower go through all the natural phases of life, as if it were growing in open ground. To preserve the shape of the room hosts, experts recommend tearing off the peduncles, and separating cuttings from overgrown specimens and replanting them in separate pots. Thus, observing the simple rules of agricultural technology, you can grow a host not only in the country or in the garden, but also on the home windowsill.
