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Are you not sure how to properly prune and plant thuja? It’s not difficult, with these tips you can propagate thuja from cuttings. The ideal period for propagation is February to March, but you can cut branches practically any time of the year except during the summer. What will you need?
- Gardening shears
- Rooting hormone
- A mix of peat soil and sand
- A container with holes in the bottom
Choose cuttings from the top part of the thuja
For propagation, choose a large, strong thuja. Cut a thicker branch 10 to 15 centimeters long from the top part of the tree. It is important that it is the top branch, because thuja propagated from side branches are usually not straight or well-shaped. Cut the branches with gardening shears and try to make the break point even.
If possible, let the branch root immediately after cutting. Branches left aside for several days could dry out. If you cannot plant them right away, wrap the cutting at the cut in a damp cloth and keep it in a cool place. Before planting, the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone or root stimulator, which can be purchased at garden supply stores.
Plants need enough warmth
Moisten the cutting, dip it into a powdered or gel rooting hormone, shake off the excess product and place it into a container with soil. It is best to use a mix of peat soil and sand. Insert the cuttings into prepared holes about 2 centimeters deep. Then cover the container, for example with a plastic bag, because thuja need moisture and steam to root. Keep the cuttings in this way in a bright, warm place.
Water the soil only when it is dry; overwatering damages thuja. If you planted several cuttings at once, after about two weeks they should be transplanted into separate containers so they have enough space to develop. It is recommended to keep the thuja in containers in a warm place (inside the house, in a greenhouse or polytunnel) for one to two years and only then plant them in their designated spot.
