How to Easily Propagate Thuja Using Aloe Vera

Thuja, also known as arborvitae, is a stunning evergreen shrub that can add a touch of beauty to any landscape. If you want to expand your garden with more Thuja plants, propagating them from cuttings using aloe vera is a simple and effective method. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to propagate Thuja using aloe vera.

German scientists have discovered a shocking new cause of belly fat, and it’s not what you think…[Click to read]

Materials needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• Healthy Thuja plant to make cuttings.
• Aloe vera gel or fresh aloe vera leaf.
• Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
• Pots or small containers.
• Potting mix or a mixture of sand and peat moss.
• Rooting hormone (optional).
• Spray bottle.
• Transparent plastic bags or transparent film.
• Rubber bands or thread.
• A warm and well-lit area.

Step by step guide

1. Select Mother Plant:   Choose a healthy, disease-free Thuja plant from which you will take cuttings. It is best to select branches of soft or semi-hard wood, usually in spring or early summer.

2. Prepare your equipment:   Make sure your pruning shears are clean and sharp. This helps prevent the spread of disease. You can sterilize them with isopropyl alcohol or a 10% bleach solution.

3. Take cuttings:   Cut 4- to 6-inch-long cuttings from selected branches. Each cutting should have several leaves. Make a clean, angled cut just below the node of a leaf.

4. Prepare the Aloe Vera:   If you are using fresh aloe vera, cut a leaf and collect the gel. Aloe vera gel contains natural rooting hormones and can help stimulate root growth. If you use store-bought aloe vera gel, make sure it is pure and contains no additives.

5. Dip the cuttings in aloe vera:   Gently dip the cut end of each Thuja cutting into the aloe vera gel or fresh aloe vera gel. This will help promote root development and protect against infection.

6. Optional Rooting Hormone (if desired):   You can also dip the cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder before applying the aloe vera gel for additional root-promoting benefits.

7. Prepare potting mix:   Fill pots or small containers with a well-draining potting mix or a sand-peat mixture. Water the mixture until it is evenly moist but not soggy.

8. Plant the cuttings:   Insert the treated cuttings into the prepared pots, making sure they are deep enough to keep them stable. You can plant several cuttings in the same container, keeping some space between them.

9. Create a mini greenhouse:   To create a humid environment, place clear plastic bags or plastic wrap over the pots and secure them with rubber bands or twine. This will help maintain high humidity levels for the cuttings.

10. Provide adequate light and temperature:   Place the pots in a warm, well-lit area with indirect sunlight. Make sure the temperature remains constant, ideally between 65 and 75°F (18 and 24°C).

11. Maintain Humidity:   Mist the cuttings with a spray bottle to keep the environment humid. Water the pots as needed to maintain consistent humidity, but avoid overwatering.

12. Monitor and wait:   Be patient. The roots usually take several weeks to develop. You will know the cuttings have taken root when you gently pull them and they resist the pull.

13. Transplant:   Once the cuttings have developed a healthy root system, they are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden.

Conclusion

Propagate Thuja using aloe vera is a natural and rewarding way to expand your garden with this beautiful evergreen shrub. By following this simple step-by-step guide, you will be able to successfully propagate Thuja and enjoy the beauty it brings to your garden. Just remember to be patient, provide proper care, and soon enough, you’ll have thriving new Thuja plants in your garden.