Techniques of propagating paper flowers

Paper flowers are easy to propagate, easy to grow, free from pests and diseases. 1 sao of 360 m2 of cuttings, growing bougainvillea from the beginning of the year to the end of the year has earned 30 million VND.
– Time of cuttings: From ancient times, farmers have a saying, “In February, when you plant apricot trees, you will also live”. That production experience is still valid today. Therefore, the best time for cuttings to propagate bougainvillea is in February of the solar calendar (after Lap Spring). In other months of the year, cuttings can also propagate bougainvillea, but the survival rate of cuttings is very low.

Model of cuttings to propagate bougainvillea in Phu Dong – Gia Lam, Hanoi. Photo: H.Tien. – Select cuttings: As mentioned above, bougainvillea is a very easy plant to propagate asexually by cuttings. Except for the tops of the trees, the tops of the branches are younger than the color of the cake, the rest of the trunks on the tree can be rooted. However, for cuttings to achieve high survival rate, it is necessary to choose cuttings ≥3 years old, 20-25 cm long, 1-2 cm in diameter, with 3-4 spines (sleeping eyes). If combined with rooting stimulant, the percentage of surviving branches after cuttings will reach over 85%. Note: The cuttings must be very flat, smooth, not bruised. Should use a sharp knife to cut around the base of the branch, remove a small part of the skin that is scratched, helping to increase the rate of rooting. The branches after cutting need to be arranged at the base and tops in the same direction, to avoid confusion when cutting. For seedlings with a diameter of ≥3cm, it is necessary to cut bevels on both sides of the base to create a 3-4cm long wedge shape, to increase the permeability of root stimulants and increase the survival rate. The bougainvillea branches after rooting were transplanted and planted in plastic pots. Photo.H.Tien. – Cutting medium and cutting techniques: Collect fine sand along the river, bring it to dry in 2-3 big sunlight for sterilization and clean fungal diseases. Then spread the sand in a 15-20 thick layer in a cool and drained place. Dilute the cuttings according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dip each bunch of rootstocks into the solution for about 1 minute. Lift it out, wait for the bunch of branches to look like water, then proceed to plug each base of the branch into the sand (prepared in advance). Distance of cuttings 5 ​​x 5 cm/1 branch. Water regularly to keep moist the sand substrate and seedlings. After 20 to 30 days of cuttings, the plant sprouts roots, sprouts, then transplants into pots. – Choose pots and growing medium: Should choose a type of black paper plastic pots for easy transportation of vehicles for long distance consumption. Pot size, 30 x 35cm, with bottom drainage hole. The growing medium according to the weight ratio includes, 70% arable land + 15% white rice husk + 13% chicken manure + 2% lime powder. Mix the medium well and incubate for 3-4 months to close the pot to plant the seedling. Note, gently pluck the seedlings, dig up the soil about 4-5 cm deep in the middle of the pot, then compact it. Then place each pot 60 x 60 cm apart on the agricultural tarpaulin-covered field, helping to drain water quickly, avoid local flooding, and prevent fertilizer from seeping into the ground and polluting the groundwater. Bougainvillea is a sun-loving plant but does not tolerate high humidity. Water only when the potting medium turns dry. – Plant care on pots: Apply NPK 13+13+13+TE periodically every 25-30 days. Dosage, 1 kg of NPK root for 30-15 pots of bougainvillea, depending on the actual growth of the plant. Combine spraying fertilizer Atonik 1.8 through the leaves, stimulating the plants to grow in balance, accelerating sprouting. When the sprouts reach more than 20 cm long, press the tops to create a canopy. Leave branches on the tree 20 cm long and 3 young leaves. The cutting of the tops of branches should be carried out regularly, so that the tree can soon achieve a luxuriant canopy and increase the harvest value. The bougainvillea has five colors thanks to the technique of grafting branches. Photo: H.Tien. Pest control: The bougainvillea tree is basically not infected with pests and diseases. However, under commercial production conditions, leaf anthracnose can occur. It is necessary to keep the garden well ventilated and promptly drain water when it rains. Absolutely do not let the garden floor and potting medium get too wet. On cloudy weather days, air humidity ≥ 80%, anthracnose room can be sprayed with one of the drugs, Score 250ND, Rocksai Super 525SE, Cure Super 300EC, Help 400SC, Nevo 330EC… instructions on the package. – Export from the garden: Paper flower cuttings, planted from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, have been sold to the market. If you prolong the care period for larger trees, they will sell for a higher price. In addition, it is also possible to bend, create canopy for the tree into artistic poses or add different flower colors to the tree, the business value will be more than doubled.