Hydrangeas are one of the plants most valued as ornamental plants, since their flower heads or inflorescences, with small flowers but large as a whole, are tremendously decorative and showy. Since these are plants with a great diversity of types and varieties, it is very common to want to reproduce a specific plant that we have or have seen in order to enjoy it to a greater extent. Luckily the hydrangea propagation It is not difficult and it is enough to follow a few steps and indications so that it turns out well and without problems.
If you want to learn how the hydrangea plant reproduces, join us in this Green Ecologist article where you will see a practical guide on how to reproduce hydrangeas by cuttings and seeds.
When to reproduce hydrangeas
The most common method to reproduce hydrangeas is by cutting, since it allows faster reproduction and, in this way, we are sure that the new plant will have the same characteristics as the mother plant. Y when to make hydrangea cuttings? The ideal time to take hydrangea cuttings is after flowering, which usually occurs in the fall.
On the other hand, if what we are looking for is to plant hydrangea seeds, the best time to do this will be both spring and autumn, depending on the local climate, so that the seedlings are not exposed to very extreme temperatures.
Reproduce hydrangeas by cuttings
The cuttings technique is a way of reproducing plants in which we cut a small branch or stem of a parent plant to plant it and that gives rise to a new individual, genetically equal to the parent and, therefore, with the same characteristics. Follow these Steps to reproduce hydrangeas by cuttings:
- The first thing you should do is cut the cutting, of course. Be sure to disinfect pruning shearsAlthough you can also use a knife if it is very well sharpened and disinfected as well. It is very important that the cut is made on the bias, diagonally, and that it is as clean as possible, in order to facilitate the plant's task of healing the wound without suffering attacks from pests or diseases through the weak point.
- For the multiplication of hydrangeas by cutting, it is enough to obtain a stem at least 10 cm, with at least three nodes and new buds. If the stem is very long, several cuttings can be obtained from one.
- After this, all the leaves of the last node of the cutting are removed, cutting them at the base of the node and leaving only half of the remaining ones. Thanks to this sheet cleaning, we minimize the dehydration that the new plant will suffer from its leaves.
- Keep the cuttings on a damp towel or absorbent paper so they don't dry out.
- The next thing is to prepare the substrate for cutting. Ideally, use a mixture like the seedbed: peat, worm castings and coconut fiber in equal parts, together with vermiculite and perlite. Adding perlite and vermiculite to an acid soil plant substrate mixed with sand also works well.
- Once the seedbed or pot with the new substrate is prepared, make a hole with a stick and you can move on to planting hydrangeas by cutting putting them about 2 cm in the mixture. You can help yourself with a little organic growth hormone or homemade rooting agent to improve the chances of success of the cutting.
- After this, it will be enough with water the cuttings and place them in a sheltered area, in the shade and with good humidity. In about 20 days, your hydrangea cuttings should have rooted, but it's best to wait for the buds to grow before transplanting them.
Reproduce hydrangeas by seeds
Although it is less common in the cultivation of hydrangeas, it is also possible to multiply this plant in a traditional way: by seeds. Follow these steps to reproduce hydrangeas by seeds:
- To begin, logically, you will need the seeds. How to get hydrangea seeds? The safest thing is to buy them from a trusted nursery or from a plant in good condition that you have or someone you know has.
- If you are planting your hydrangea in a pot, choose a good-sized container with drainage holes. Prepare a substrate rich in organic matterWell, these plants need it.
- Scatter the seeds through the soil or substrate and add a few centimeters of soil on top, then watering with a fine spray so that the water does not drag the seeds.
- You must keep true humidity level in the ground until the seeds germinate and the seedlings have become strong, so it is necessary that you water frequently, but always without flooding the substrate.
- It is preferable to plant in seedbed or in a semi-shaded area, once the small plants have become strong, transplant them to their final location, which must be illuminated. Transplantation it must always be carried out between late autumn and early winter, before the plant comes out of vegetative rest.
- The most important thing in the care of young hydrangeas is to maintain very frequent waterings during their first year or two of life.
Now that you have learned how to reproduce hydrangeas, we recommend that you read the rest of the guides that we have at Ecologist Verde about these plants:
- How to plant hydrangeas.
- Hydrangea care.
- How to care for potted hydrangeas
- How to prune hydrangeas.
- Blue hydrangeas: care and how to grow them
If you want to read more articles similar to How to reproduce hydrangeas, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
