If you have a good plant and want to have more like it, you just have to reproduce it by cuttings. A cutting is a fragment of a plant (usually a stem, branch, leaf or root) that is used to propagate it asexually, i.e. without the need for seeds.
This method allows reproduce plants quickly and efficiently, preserving the genetic characteristics of the mother plant. The challenge is to get it to take root and there aloe vera can be a great allyas it acts as a rooting agent.
What is a cutting and how to make it
Cuttings are especially common when reproducing indoor plants or other outdoor ornamental crops, fruit trees and shrubs.
The process consists of cutting a part of the plant, preparing it properly and planting it in a suitable medium (soil, water, or specific substrate). to develop roots and becomes a new independent plant.
How to use aloe vera for success
Fruit cuttings with aloe vera
iStock Photo.Toni Jardon
Aloe vera contains a combination of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes) that They encourage root development in cuttings.
Its gel is a natural antimicrobial which protects the cutting from bacteria and fungi, which is essential in the first weeks of growth.
Besides, This plant is rich in salicylic acid, which helps reduce the stress of the cutting and facilitates rooting in new pots.
How to apply the aloe vera method on your cuttings
This method is simple and effective. Follow these steps to use aloe vera on your cuttings:
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Prepare the cutting: Take the cutting of the fruit tree or other plant that you are going to reproduce by this method and use a sharp knife to lightly cut the end, so that it is well outlined and ready to absorb the nutrients.
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Cut a piece of aloe vera leaf: Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf large enough to cover the base of the cutting.
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Insert the cutting into the center of the aloe: Make a small slit in the piece of aloe vera and insert the end of the cutting into the center of the leaf. Make sure the aloe covers the base well so that the cutting absorbs its nutrients.
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Plant in fertilized soil: Place the cutting with aloe directly in a pot with soil rich in compost and good drainage.
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daily watering: Water every day with a moderate amount of water to keep the soil moist, without waterlogging it.
Advantages of the aloe vera method
Apply this aloe vera method offers multiple benefits for growing fruit cuttings in a pot:
- Antimicrobial protection: Aloe gel prevents fungal and bacterial diseases.
- Fast rooting: Root growth is accelerated, achieving results in approximately 30 days.
- Nutrient contribution: the aloe vera leaf, thanks to its properties, strengthens the cutting from the beginning.
Practical tips to optimize rooting with aloe
Below we offer you some Tips to get the most out of this method:
- Choose fresh aloe: Use a freshly cut leaf, as fresh gel contains more nutrients and is more effective.
- Use soil rich in compost: The land must have enough organic fertilizer (compost) to enhance root growth.
- Avoid flooding: Although it is important to water daily, avoid excess water. Make sure the pot has a good drainage system.
Other care for potted cuttings
In addition to aloe vera, keep a few more things in mind to ensure successful rooting:
- Indirect light: For the first few weeks, place the pot in a location with indirect light to prevent the cutting from burning.
- Stable temperature: Keep the cutting in a place with moderate temperature, as sudden changes in temperature can slow down rooting.
- Weekly monitoring: Check the progress of the cuttings and make sure the soil is always in proper condition.
What can you expect from using aloe vera on fruit cuttings?
In approximately 30 days, You will see how your cuttings begin to develop strong and healthy roots. This method is ideal for fruit tree cuttings which may have difficulty rooting, and its simplicity makes it a technique accessible to everyone.
Try this aloe vera technique on your cuttings and Watch your plants grow faster and healthier.
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