How to Propagate White Birch Trees
- 1). Combine equal parts peat moss and sand into the 6-inch pot. Fill the pot to within 1 inch of the top rim. Add 1 qt. water to the soil and allow excess moisture to drain.
- 2). Cut up to five 6- to 8-inch-long succulent green stems from the parent birch tree. Make the cuts at a steep angle to expose as much of the interior of the stem as possible.
- 3). Remove the leaves from the lower 3 inches of the cut stem. Dip the cut end into the rooting hormone powder.
- 4). Stick the pencil into the potting soil, making a hole 2 to 3 inches deep. Insert the cutting into the pencil hole. Firm the soil around the stem cutting with your fingers. Evenly space the stem cuttings around the pot.
- 5). Cover the stem cuttings and pot with a large piece of plastic food wrap to form a miniature greenhouse. Set the pot in a well-lit area out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will overheat the cuttings and dry out the soil. Check for moisture content after two weeks.
- 6). Lift the plastic food wrap from the cuttings. Insert your finger 1 inch into the potting soil. If it is dry, add 1 cup water. Cover the stems with the plastic. Check for moisture every two weeks.
- 7). Inspect for root growth after two months. Remove the plastic food wrap. Grasp one stem with your fingers and gently pull it upwards. If resistance is felt, roots are growing. Place the pot in indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist. Do not allow the seedlings to freeze during the winter months. Retain the seedlings in the pot until the following spring.
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