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Fukien Tea Cuttings in 'Terrarium'

Posted by djjin14568 FL (My Page) on
Wed, Jun 10, 09 at 21:47

I have recently removed some over-active shoots from my established Fukien Tea Bonsai and, placed them in soil that is contained inside a large jar (fish bowl sized).

I've read in earlier posts that Fukien Tea does not normally do well in moist conditions in a terrarium... (Something about their parasites also enjoy moisture too...)

Is it "normal" to keep new cuttings of this species in a terrarium? Leaving them outside of a glass enclosure would dry them out here in Florida, right?

Also, with the moisture being trapped inside (including light moisture levels in the soil). How often is watering recommended?

The cuttings are approaching 2 weeks inside the jar. Their stems are changing color to a barkish brown on the lower half. Today I noticed new flower blooms for a first time; with apparent new growth on apical meristems of the cuttings.

Sorry for the multiple questions and non-sensical rambling.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Fukien Tea Cuttings in 'Terrarium'

Most tropical and semi-tropical cuttings will do pretty well under those conditions, the only thing you should do once in a while is allow the terrarium to 'breathe' daily or semi-daily. I've noticed that spider mites love Fukien Tea but only seem to go after the buds and flowers so other than a root-rot problem or root parasites you should be ok.

You would probably do better with just misting rather than actual watering as the soil is staying moist.


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RE: Fukien Tea Cuttings in 'Terrarium'

I also have this type of bonsai and would love to know how you propogate this plant. I have several stems that have shot out and would love to create new plants from them if possible.

where do you cut them and how long do they take to root?


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RE: Fukien Tea Cuttings in 'Terrarium'

They should root easily in a damp shady spot during warm humid weather. Mine puts out very long (5" and longer)shoots if they are left grow for over a week. I stuck a couple in an area under a kumquat tree in my back courtyard and they were well rooted in two weeks. The area is very warm and, since my trees are kept there, gets sprayed down a few times a day so it stays pretty humid.

Bob


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RE: Fukien Tea Cuttings in 'Terrarium'

My cuttings were roughly 4-5" in length. I removed the bottom 1/3 of growth from the cuttings and placed them in luke warm sugar water for 10-15 minutes... (Most people use Root Hormone powder).

The "terrarium" i am using is a cookie / candie jar that is square shape and about 7" x 7" x 7".

So far things are working out good. The three cuttings are still blooming off an on. And, I let them breathe every other day by taking off the lid and letting things air out for a half hour or so.

I have no idea on how long they take to root. But, I do know that I've read on other forums that Fukien Tea is very easy to propagate and that in some areas you can take your cuttings, place in the ground, and watch grow! Where I am in Florida they would dry out in no time with out being contained in my fancy jar.


 
 

 

 


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