lilly pilly from cuttingsโ
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How to Grow Lilly Pilly from Cuttings
Lilly Pilly can be grown from seed, but the fastest and most reliable way to produce new plants is by cuttings. Growing from cuttings ensures your new hedge plants are identical to the parent plant, with the same foliage colour, growth habit, and pest resistance. This makes it the preferred method for home gardeners and landscapers looking to create matching hedges.
Benefits of Growing from Cuttings
- Faster than growing from seed.
- Guarantees identical plants to the parent variety.
- Cost-effective way to produce multiple hedge plants.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to successfully grow new Lilly Pilly plants from cuttings:
1. Take the Cuttings
- Select semi-hardwood stems (firm, but not fully woody).
- Cut sections 10โ15cm long with 2โ3 leaf nodes.
- Remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
2. Prepare the Cuttings
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder or gel to increase strike rate.
- Use clean, sharp secateurs to avoid damage and disease.
3. Plant the Cuttings
- Use a free-draining propagation mix (50% perlite, 50% potting mix works well).
- Insert cuttings 5โ7cm deep and firm the soil around them.
- Space them apart to prevent overcrowding.
4. Provide Ideal Conditions
- Place in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight.
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Cover with a plastic dome or propagation tray to maintain humidity.
5. Transplanting
- Roots usually develop within 6โ8 weeks.
- Once rooted, transplant into small pots with premium potting mix.
- Feed with a diluted liquid fertiliser like CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 to establish strong growth.
FAQs on Propagating Lilly Pilly
Q: Can all Lilly Pilly varieties be grown from cuttings?
A: Yes, most can. Semi-hardwood cuttings from spring to early summer have the highest success rate.
Q: How long does it take Lilly Pilly cuttings to root?
A: Generally 6โ8 weeks, depending on conditions, humidity, and variety.
Q: Do I need rooting hormone?
A: Itโs not essential but increases success rates and speeds up root development.
Q: Can I grow Lilly Pilly cuttings indoors?
A: Yes, provided they are kept in bright light and humid conditions until established.
Q: What fertiliser should I use once cuttings root?
A: Use CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 at half strength to encourage healthy root and leaf development.
Final Tip
Patience is key. With proper care, Lilly Pilly cuttings will root within 2 months and grow into strong plants with regular feeding from CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20.
More Hedge Guides from CompleteGrow
- Best Fertiliser for Lilly Pilly Hedges
- How to Grow Lilly Pilly Hedges in Australia
- When to Prune Lilly Pilly Hedges
- How Fast Does Lilly Pilly Grow?
- How Tall Do Lilly Pillies Grow?
- How to Thicken a Lilly Pilly Hedge
- Why Are My Lilly Pilly Leaves Turning Brown?
- Do Lilly Pilly Have Invasive Roots?
- How to Prune Lilly Pilly
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What is NPK 20-20-20 Fertiliser?
