Cutting is a traditional and effective technique for the vegetative propagation of plants. This method is mainly used for woody plants, houseplants and exotic plants such as orchids or tropical species where cuttings or seed propagation are not always successful. Cutting offers a way to develop a new plant directly on the trunk or branch of the mother plant before separating it and cultivating it independently.
Basics of Moss Removal
Rooting is the process of preparing a portion of a plant's trunk or branch to form roots while still attached to the parent plant. This allows the offshoot to continue to receive nutrients and water until it is independent enough to survive as a standalone plant.
Suitable plant species
Moss removal is particularly suitable for:
- fruit trees (e.g. figs, lemon trees)
- Tropical plants (e.g. Monstera, Philodendron, Ficus)
- ornamental shrubs (e.g. rhododendrons, camellias)
- Bonsai and rare woody plants
Steps for removing moss
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Prepare materials:
- A sharp knife or garden shears
- Moss (sphagnum moss is ideal)
- film (e.g. transparent plastic film)
- Binding material (e.g. rubber bands, wire or string)
- rooting powder (optional)
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Select a suitable location: Choose a healthy, strong branch or part of the trunk that is easily accessible and receives sufficient nutrients from the mother plant.
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Remove bark: Carefully remove a strip of bark around the branch, approximately 2-5 cm wide. Be careful not to damage the underlying layer, as this is important for the water supply.
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Promote rooting:
- Optionally, apply a rooting powder to the exposed area to accelerate root growth.
- Wrap the area generously with moistened moss.
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Wrapping: Cover the moss with transparent plastic film and close the ends with rubber bands or string. This will keep the moisture in and protect the area from external influences.
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Care during moss removal:
- Check the moisture of the moss regularly and moisten it if necessary.
- Avoid direct sunlight as this may hinder root formation.
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Separation and planting: After 4-12 weeks (depending on the type of plant), roots should be visible. Carefully cut off the rooted branch and plant it in a suitable substrate. Water the new plant well and place it in a protected place until it is strong enough.
Benefits of Moss Removal
- Gentle propagation: The mother plant remains intact during the process.
- Higher success rate: The new plant continues to be supplied by the mother plant during root formation.
- Versatile: Suitable for plants that are difficult to propagate from cuttings.
Challenges and tips for removing moss
- Patience required: The process can take several weeks or months, depending on the type of plant.
- Moisture control: Dry moss can prevent root formation; moss that is too wet can cause rot.
- Expertise required: Incorrect cutting or improper care can affect the success of the moss removal.
areas of application
The removal of moss is not only used in hobby gardening, but also in professional plant cultivation, for example for rare or difficult to propagate plants. In the art of bonsai, it plays an important role in improving the shape and structure of a tree.
