So you have been thinking of planting the Clusia trees, and you wonder how the plant is grown.
Maybe you are asking yourself if the Clusia can grow from clippings. If that is your concern, the answer is yes.
You can grow the Clusia hedge from clippings.
And the process is not that hard. It takes only a few weeks and you get your Clusia trees up and growing.
But how can I do this, do you ask?
Let’s dive into you can grow Clusia from clippings right here:
Cutting
The Clusia trees, also known as Autograph trees, can be easily propagated from clippings. What this means is that you use twigs to grow new trees that can be planted on the soil.
Does this sound difficult? Well, the truth of the matter is that it can be done very easily.
To start with, identify twigs that are healthy on a matured Clusia tree. Then, using a clean and sterile Pruner, cut the branches just below the buds. Ensure that you cut at least 4 to 6 inches to enable them to root well.
After cutting them, next you want to remove a few leaves at the base. The twigs need to be ready for rooting before planting. And removing the base leaves allows the cutting direct energy towards developing new roots for its growth.
In the same measure, look and see if the twig has any flowers. You will need to remove any flower gently using your hands.
See, if you plant the cutting with flowers all nutrients will go towards blossoming rather than developing strong roots. Having done that, the cuttings are now ready for the next step.
Rooting
The next step in growing your Clusia clippings is rooting. This is allowing the cuttings to grow new roots.
And this will need the cuttings being induced with either soil or water. You now take a clean and clear container and fill it with clean water.
The reason for using a clear container is because you need to be observing the roots as they grow. Take the cuttings and submerge them to a depth of about 8 cm. This means that 1/3 of the cuttings will be in the water.
A good container to use here is one that is tall and narrow for easy rooting.
Place two to three cuttings in one container with the root side at the bottom. If the container is big enough, you can place more clippings.
Then, next place your containers with the cuttings close to a window where they can access sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight since this can damage the shoots. You can use windows with blinders instead. And should you note the shoots are withering, then move them a little towards the dark.
This position gives them time to start growing their roots. The clusia tree utilizes photosynthesis to grow new roots. You should check the water level and ensure it doesn’t fall below 7.9 cm.
If there is a drop in the water, refill the containers with water to that point. After a few days, roots will sprout from the base of the clippings. Wait until they are long enough, around 5cm, and then prepare them for planting.
Planting
After growing the roots, you can now take the clippings out for planting your Clusia trees on the ground or in pots.
Pots are popular and also easy to plant as they are portable. Even when the Clusia trees outgrow the original pot, you can easily change and transfer it to a big pot.
To start with, you need to fill the pots with well-draining sandy soil. Then, take the cuttings, one for each pot and plant.
Place the soil back into the pot avoiding not damaging the roots. Place down the soil and then transfer the pots to well light area. This should not be under direct sunlight.
Your clusia clippings will now need to be watered so the roots can start growing to soil roots.
This should be done every day. However, do not put a lot of water that may soak the soil.
The best pot for transplanting should be well-drained and has a drainage hole at the bottom.
Taking care of the trees
The Clusia tree is commonly found in tropical America and it can absorb carbon dioxide at night. This means it can be grown indoors as a house plant. That said, after planting the Clusia trees in pots, the next step is taking care of them.
The plant loves well-draining soil mostly sandy and clay. They also do well in soils that are slightly neutral to acidic.
During the first year after planting, water the clusia trees regularly. The watering should not be to soak the soil though. This can be scaled down when the plants are fully developed.
If you are planting the clusia as a home plant, ensure the light is balanced.
In addition, put the fertilizer and organic matter into the soil in the pot from time to time.
The clusia tree can grow to a height of 8 to 10 feet and its branches are wide with broad leaves. This means a lot of nutrients are required to give the plants the energy to grow.
You should also ensure the areas where the plant is kept have the desired temperatures.
Conclusion
The Clusia plant can be easily grown from clippings.
You can propagate the clippings from a matured plant and after rooting them, replant them in pots or the ground.
The Clusia plant is known to do well on soft, loose, and well-draining sandy and clay soils.
Great care is needed for the plants in the first year. Light, temperature, fertilizers, and water should be balanced well within the first year. And in case the plant outgrows the initial pot, you can always transfer it to a big pot i.e. repotting.
So, next time you are stuck on how to grow Clusia plants, the use of clippings and the above steps can work best for you.