Growing a guava tree from cuttings is a popular and effective method, especially for ensuring the new tree is true to the parent plant. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you succeed:
1. Best Time for Propagation: The warmer months, generally spring and summer, are ideal for propagating guava cuttings as the conditions are more conducive to root growth.
2. Choosing and Preparing Cuttings:
- Selection: Choose healthy, mature, semi-hardwood branches from a vigorous guava tree that is free from diseases and pests. Semi-hardwood cuttings are from the current season’s growth that has started to mature but isn’t yet fully woody.
- Length: Cut sections that are about 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) long.
- Preparation:
- Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node (the point where leaves grow).
- Remove all but the top two leaves. If there are any flowers or fruit on the cutting, remove them to direct the plant’s energy towards root development.
- (Optional but highly recommended) Dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone (powder or liquid). This significantly increases the chances of successful rooting. Some sources even suggest natural alternatives like onion juice or potato sections, which are thought to have rooting properties.
3. Planting the Cuttings:
- Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix. A good option is a mix of sand and sawdust, or vermiculite, as these provide good aeration and drainage. Some studies suggest a sand and sawdust mix can yield high success rates (up to 94.5%). Avoid using regular garden soil alone, as it can be too dense and retain too much moisture, leading to rot.
- Container: Plant the cuttings in a pot with drainage holes. A 1-gallon (4 L) container can typically hold several cuttings.
- Planting: Make a hole in the potting mix and gently insert the treated end of the cutting about 2-3 inches deep. Firm the potting mix around the base to ensure good contact.
- Humidity: Create a humid environment around the cuttings. You can do this by:
- Covering the container with clear plastic (like a plastic bag or the top half of a plastic bottle). Use sticks or straws to keep the plastic from touching the leaves.
- Placing the pot inside a propagator.
- Misting the cuttings regularly.
