While traditional methods of propagating guava trees involve using cuttings from mature guava plants, there’s an unconventional technique gaining attention among gardeners: propagating guava trees from cuttings with mango. This method utilizes the natural rooting hormone present in mangoes to encourage root development in guava cuttings, resulting in healthy, vigorous plants. Here’s how you can grow guava trees from cuttings with mango:
- Selecting Healthy Guava Cuttings: Begin by selecting healthy guava branches for cutting. Choose branches that are about 6-8 inches long and have several sets of leaves. Look for branches that are free from any signs of disease or pest infestation.
- Preparing the Cuttings: Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node on each selected branch. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top to aid in photosynthesis.
- Choosing a Ripe Mango: Select a ripe mango and cut it into slices. Mangoes contain natural rooting hormones, which can stimulate root growth in plant cuttings. Choose a ripe mango with a sweet aroma and firm flesh.
- Embedding the Cuttings in Mango: Take the prepared guava cuttings and insert the cut ends into the flesh of the mango slices. Ensure that the cut ends are fully submerged in the mango flesh to allow for maximum contact with the rooting hormone.
- Planting the Mango-Embedded Cuttings: Fill small pots or containers with a well-draining potting mix. Plant each mango-embedded guava cutting in a pot, burying the mango slice and leaving the top portion of the cutting exposed. Water the pots thoroughly to settle the soil around the cuttings.
- Creating Ideal Growing Conditions: Place the pots in a warm, brightly lit area where they will receive indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the rooting process. Check the moisture level regularly and water as needed.
- Monitoring Root Growth: Over the next few weeks, monitor the guava cuttings for signs of root development. You should start to see white roots emerging from the bottom of the mango slices and extending into the surrounding soil. Once the roots are well-established, the guava cuttings can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
- Caring for Your Guava Trees: Continue to care for your propagated guava trees by watering them regularly, providing adequate sunlight, and fertilizing them with a balanced fertilizer formulated for fruit trees. Protect them from pests and diseases, and provide support as needed as they grow and develop.
By following this unconventional method of growing guava trees from cuttings with mango, you can harness the natural rooting hormone present in mangoes to promote healthy root development and ensure the success of your propagation efforts. Give it a try in your garden and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own guava trees from cuttings!
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