There are two methods of reproduction for the Magnolia officinalis: sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction. There are three asexual reproduction methods: seed propagation (also known as sexual reproduction), cutting propagation, and layering propagation. Let me introduce the methods of asexual reproduction below.
1. Cutting Propagation
Mature Magnolia officinalis plants over 9 years old often produce many young shoots around the base of the trunk. In early November or mid-February of the following year, select shoots that are over 70 cm long. Gently remove the soil around the base of the mother tree, and then make a horizontal cut halfway through the connection between the shoot and the main trunk using a sharp knife. Hold the middle and lower parts of the shoot and slowly separate it from the mother tree through the cut, keeping the length of the separation around 70 mm. Place small stones in the crack to hold it together, cover it with soil about 18-25 mm above the ground, lightly press it down, and water it.
One month later, apply animal or human manure to promote root growth and shoot growth. After the leaves fall in autumn or early spring of the second year, if new roots have grown at the cut site and the shoot has become an independent plant, carefully separate the young plant from the base of the mother tree using a sharp knife. If you want to continue the cutting propagation, use the same method to transplant the young plant, but this time, plant it at a 45-degree angle. After 2-3 years, the plant will grow many small shoots again. When the shoots reach a height of 40-70 cm, follow the previous method to cut and propagate the shoots. After autumn and winter, new root systems will have formed on the young shoots, and in early spring of the second year, they can be separated and transplanted again. Leave the uncut plants as they are and remove the initially slanted old plants to promote the growth of new plants.
2. Layering Propagation
When harvesting Magnolia officinalis, only cut the trunk and peel off the bark, without damaging the branches. Cover the cut parts with fine soil, and the following year, many young shoots will emerge. When the shoots reach a height of around 70 cm, perform layering propagation in the winter of November, following the previous cutting method. Transplant and expand the planting in the second and third years.
3. Cutting Propagation
In early spring of February, select branches that are 1-1.5 cm in diameter, 1-2 years old, healthy, and free from pests and diseases. Use sharp pruning shears to cut the branches into 18-25 cm long cuttings. Plant the cuttings in a prepared nursery bed, water them, and wait for the roots to grow. After the branches have successfully rooted, transplant them in the following spring.
