Mussaenda Rare Double Pink Live Fresh Cutting New Starter Dogwood Plant
Mussaenda plants for home gardens, that you can grow easily and make your garden really awesome. Definitely we can try this plant for a colourful landscaping, especially for tropical places like Kerala.
Generally these are evergreen perennials that need only minimum caring.
There are about 6000 species of plants that are mostly shrubs or small trees. Certain varieties with weaker stems need support to climb.
Usually the plant grows up to a height of about three meters. However we can keep it short or according to the required height through proper pruning. Mostly for pot planting or for keeping in balconies or indoors where the plant gets proper lighting.
Surprisingly most of the plants bear attractive bunches of flower like structures. These are really modified sepals or bracts that surround flowers. Flowers are commonly yellow, orange or red in colour.
For tropical or sub tropical climates there are many varieties that are easy to grow. For example, mussaenda erythrophylla, mussaenda philippica etc. Most of these are having bracts with deep red, pink or white and flowers in orange or yellow colours.
Mussaenda Philippica aurorae, with white bracts is my favourite among that.
Selecting Cuttings: Choose healthy, non-flowering stems for your cuttings. Look for stems that are about 4-6 inches long and have several sets of leaves.
Preparation: Prepare your tools by sterilizing them to prevent any infections. Use a sharp, clean pair of garden shears or a knife to take cuttings.
Taking Cuttings: Make a clean cut just below a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem). Remove any leaves from the lower part of the cutting to expose a node where roots will emerge.
Rooting Hormone (Optional): While not necessary, dipping the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder can help stimulate root growth.
Potting Medium: Prepare a well draining potting mix. A mix of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss or a commercial potting mix works well. Fill a small pot or container with this mix.
Planting: Insert the cut end of the Mussaenda cutting into the potting mix, making sure at least one node is buried. Gently firm the soil around the cutting to provide support.
Moisture and Humidity: Keep the potting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged. Covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator can help maintain humidity levels, promoting root development.
Light and Temperature: Place the cutting in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight. Mussaenda cuttings prefer temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
Root Development: Roots should start to develop within a few weeks. You can gently tug on the cutting to check for resistance, indicating root growth.
Transplanting: Once the cutting has established a healthy root system, usually in about 6-8 weeks, you can transplant it into a larger container or directly into the garden if the weather permits.
Care: Provide regular water and light fertilization to encourage healthy growth. Mussaenda prefers well-draining soil and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain shape and promote flowering.
Acclimatization: If you plan to move the plant outdoors, gradually expose it to outdoor conditions over a period of a week or two to prevent shock.
With proper care and attention, your Mussaenda cuttings should grow into healthy, vibrant plants, rewarding you with their beautiful flowers.