The water daffodil is a popular and easy-care plant that can even be propagated very easily. There are two different ways to do this.
The water daffodil (Eupatorium cannabinum) is an enrichment in the garden pond and also in the flower bed. The plants grow fast and luxuriantly, are robust and easy to care for. With their pretty flowers, you will become the focal point of the ornamental summer garden and will be visited by numerous butterflies and bees.
You can, of course, buy the plants already well grown and plant them out immediately. But propagation can also be exciting. So why not sow the Wasserdost yourself or propagate existing plants by dividing them. In the following you will learn how water hemp can be propagated and what you should pay attention to.
Increasing water drop by seed
The water daffodil sows itself in autumn. So the seeds fall out and begin to germinate in a new place. If you are not interested in new plants, the flower stalks should be removed early.
» Tip: Before you dispose of the seeds carelessly, you could dry them indoors and then give them away to garden friends.
Even if you want to sow selectively, you should let the seeds dry indoors. Since the seeds have a fine fringe of hair, they are carried away by the wind and usually do not germinate in the immediate vicinity of the mother plant.
» Sowing explained step by step
❶ Select planting bowl
❷ Fill in substrate
❸ Scatter seeds
❹ Cover seeds with soil
❺ Set up planting bowl bright and warm
❻ Cover the planting bowl
❼ Moisten the planting bowl evenly
❽ Wait for germination
Flat planters of any size are suitable for sowing the water daffodil. First fill the planter with potting soil. The seeds are then laid out over a large area on the substrate and only lightly covered with soil. The planter is placed in a bright window seat, preferably at room temperature.
» Tip: Sowing should take place in spring. For a location of the planter outdoors, it is still clearly toocold.
Constant temperatures are favorable for cultivation. The thermometer should not drop below 18 degrees. To accelerate germination, the planting bowls can be covered with glass or foil.
Caution: The cover must be aired regularly to prevent mold from forming in the seed tray.
Be sure to keep the substrate evenly moist. The soil must not dry out. The first cotyledons will appear after about two to four weeks.
» What happens to the young plants?
You leave the seedlings in the planter for the time being. When the plants have grown to a height of about five centimetres, they are placed in separate plant pots. Be careful not to damage the delicate roots. You leave the plant pots in the house for the time being. Only in the course of the summer, when strong plants have formed, are the seedlings planted outdoors.
You should pay attention to the following things:
- choose semi-shady location
- provide moist, loamy substrate
- keep at least one meter planting distance
You can also plant the small plants more densely at first. However, since the Wasserdost grows quite quickly, it is advantageous to choose the right planting distance from the start. Transplanting causes stress for the plants and should be avoided if possible.
» Tip: You can also place the young plants in a bucket and cultivate them on the balcony or terrace. In winter, however, protection is then necessary or they bring the planter into the house.
Increase water drop by division
If you already have a plant and have enjoyed it for a number of years, propagation by division could be an option for you. The water daffodil quickly grows into a compact plant. A stable root system has developed within a few years. This makes it possible to divide the plant for an easy and quick way of propagation.
» Division explained step by step
❶ Remove the plant completely
❷ Inspect the root
❸ Remove soil from the root
❹ Divide the root ball
❺ The two separate Put plants back in the ground
❻ Water plants well
In order to be able to divide the plant, it must be completely taken out of the ground. Do this slowly and carefully. So that the roots are not injured, theWasserdost be cut out over a large area. Once you have uncovered the root ball, look at it first. It is important for the division that we are dealing with a strong and he althy root ball. If the roots don't seem to be right, it would not be a good idea to divide the plant as this would further weaken the watering branch.
However, the plants are usually strong and intact. You can therefore grab a sharp spade and cut the root ball in half. In just a few simple steps, you get two independent and fully developed plants. These should now be planted again as soon as possible.
» What should be considered when planting?
You will probably put one of the newly created plants back in the planting hole that has already been dug. On this occasion it is a good idea to check the substrate. Before the plant is placed back in the planting hole, you can add a clay-sand mixture to the soil. This ensures that the liquid stays in the ground longer.
For the second of the newly created plants, find a moist and semi-shady location. Dig the planting hole at least twice the size of the root ball and remember that this newly acquired plant will also grow quickly and that at least one meter from the planting neighbor should remain free. You should now water both plants well and cultivate as usual.
» Tip: The existing plants can be divided again after two to four years. Not only do you attract new plants, you also ensure that existing shrubs are rejuvenated.
Overview of advantages and disadvantages
| Propagation method | Advantages | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Sowing | ✔ many plants can be grown at once ✔ good chances of success | ✘ tedious ✘ time-consuming |
| Division | ✔ quick and easy ✔ whole plants available immediately | ✘ usually only one new plant can be gained ✘ well developed plant must be available |