To grow a guava tree from a cutting, you need to focus on creating the right conditions for root development. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Propagate Guava from Cuttings
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Prepare the Cutting: Take a semi-hardwood cutting from a healthy guava tree. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent moisture loss.
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Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional but Recommended): Dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone powder or liquid. This encourages root formation and increases the chances of success.
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Plant the Cutting:
- Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
- Make a hole in the potting mix and insert the cut end of the cutting about 2 inches deep.
- Gently firm the soil around the cutting.
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Provide Warmth and Humidity: Guava cuttings need warmth and high humidity to root successfully. You can achieve this in several ways:
- Heating Mat: Place the pot on a heating mat to maintain a soil temperature between 75-85°F (24-29°C).
- Humidity Dome or Plastic Bag: Cover the pot with a humidity dome or a clear plastic bag to trap moisture. Make sure the bag doesn't touch the leaves.
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Watering and Light: Keep the potting mix consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Place the cutting in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the cutting.
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Monitor and Care: Check the cutting regularly for signs of rooting. After a few weeks, gently tug on the cutting. If it resists, it has likely rooted.
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Acclimatize: Once the cutting has developed a good root system (typically in 4-8 weeks), gradually acclimatize it to less humid conditions by removing the humidity dome or plastic bag for increasing periods each day.
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Transplant: Once the guava cutting is well-established, transplant it to a larger pot or directly into the ground in a suitable location.
Important Considerations:
- Timing: The best time to take guava cuttings is during the active growing season, typically in spring or early summer.
- Cutting Selection: Choose cuttings from healthy, disease-free guava trees.
- Patience: Rooting guava cuttings can take time, so be patient and continue to provide the right conditions.
