Propagation is one of the most popular methods of turning from one tree to another in a short period. This method helps to shorten the time of planting with a large number of seeds, land area, space, fertilizer, and care process.
The probability of successful plant breeding is very high if you follow some fixed principles. Successful propagation will help plants have better growth and development.
Recently, transferring water propagation to soil is becoming more and more popular and used by many gardeners. Because propagating plants in water is the most effective method. What are the steps to do the propagation? How to get the best results? Let’s learn about the process of propagating plants in water and transferring them to soil in this article.
Transferring Water Propagation To Soil: What’s The Reason?
As you know, there are many ways to carry out the propagation process in plants. They includes direct cuttings into the ground, cuttings in a propagation box, or placing branches in the water. Each method offers different advantages and disadvantages.
However, water cuttings for propagation are still the most effective and successful method. Because when you take cuttings in the ground or a propagation box with Sphagnum moss, you will not be able to see the growth of the root system at all because they are covered in soil and moss.
However, when you propagate in water, you can completely observe the formation of the roots in the clearest way. In addition to the success factor, domestic plant breeding is also a way to relax with plant lovers. It’s amazing when you discover the first roots sprouting baby teeth. Every day you will have the opportunity to observe change and develop at a different pace. I am sure that you will feel extremely relaxed and comfortable with this breeding model.
In addition, another issue that you need to consider is that the quality of roots when propagating in soil and water is completely different. The root system in the soil will be denser, stronger, and stronger. Because the roots in the soil will have to grow more and harder to penetrate the soil and find water and nutrients. Therefore, they will be more tolerant and resistant than the domestic root system.
Meanwhile, the roots in the water are completely free of pressure in finding water sources to absorb. They usually grow thinner and weaker than the roots in the soil. Therefore, when changing plants from a water environment to a soil environment will require meticulous gardeners.
If this process takes place at the wrong time, too strong or the following method will all cause the roots to be damaged and gradually die. Because the sudden change of habitat will make plants stressed and have many difficulties in the development process.
Read more: Sterilizing Soil With Boiling Water And Some Alternative Methods
When Can You Move Plants From Water To Soil?
You won’t get any correct answers here!
Each plant species will have a different growth and development rate. So their root system will also need different times to mature. Some plants can take only a few days to complete rooting. However, many other plants need weeks or months to complete this process.
So make sure the plant’s roots are a few inches long with strong and dense roots to increase the chances of success. However, you should not let the roots grow too long because they will have difficulty adapting to the soil environment.
Make sure the number of root branches grows evenly and there are healthy main root branches to adapt to the soil environment. The process of changing habitat will take several days or a week for plants to adapt. Therefore, you should not be in a hurry when converting plants from water to soil to avoid undue stress.
Some important notes for transferrin water propagation to soil
- Once you’ve determined the right time to change your plant’s habitat from water to soil, you’ll follow some of the steps in the process below.
- Empty the water in the container so that when you add soil, the water won’t spill out and wet the stems and leaves.
- Every day you can pour dry or moist soil into the container so that the soil sinks to the bottom of the pot.
- The dry soil will float around the water briefly, then the soil will also sink to the bottom of the pot.
- Test the soil before putting it in the container to make sure it doesn’t contain any fertilizers including organic manure. Because if the soil contains fertilizer at this time, the young and weak root system will burn and die.
- Pour in the soil slowly until the container is full and there is no water left.
- You should wait a few days for the root system to acclimate to the soil before changing the pot.
- When changing to a new pot, you need to be gentle because the roots may not be firmly attached to the soil.
- After removing the roots and soil from the old pot, you should wrap them in moist moss to stimulate the acclimatization and growth of new roots. In particular, moss will retain moisture and provide water for the roots.
- You can use terracotta pots or plastic pots. However, for plants that are used to the aquatic environment, you should use a plastic pot because it will limit moisture from escaping to the outside.
- If you use a pot made of terracotta material, make sure to water it regularly as the plants may become dehydrated due to faster evaporation.
- After the changeover is complete, you should place the potted plant in a place with warm temperatures and indirect sunlight.
- When the plants show signs of new, lush, and healthy shoots, you can place them in other locations.
How To Care For Plants After Changing From Water To Soil?
Due to different habitats, you also need to have specific care for each plant’s habitat. For plants that are used to living in water, humidity is the most important factor that you need to maintain in the beginning.
If plants lack water during this period, they will wither and die immediately. However, you should just keep the soil moist, instead of watering constantly. Because it will cause excess water to overflow the ground and cause waterlogging. Make sure the water doesn’t dry out too quickly and that the plants always have enough water to sustain life.
In addition, increasing the humidity around the base of plants is also a way to help them adapt more quickly to the new environment. You can use a plastic bag wrapped around the base, use moss, mud, or coir to keep the plants moist. You should also regularly check the humidity and ambient temperature of the water as needed.
Read more: A Guide on How to Get Rid of Termites in Garden Soil
Summary
Water propagation is a more effective method than soil or box propagation. However, the root system in water is sparse and weaker. So, when you are transferring plants to the soil, you need to pay attention to some basic principles when changing to avoid undue stress on the plants.
In addition, after you have changed the habitat, you should pay attention to care. Because plants will die very easily during this sensitive period. Moisture is the most important factor you need to maintain for plants to adapt to the soil environment.
Water when the soil is dry, mist or maintain moisture around the base with plastic bags, moss, coir, or humus to always maintain the right moisture for plants. However, you should not overwater to avoid waterlogging and root system rot.