Anyone who already has at least one thuja can multiply it relatively easily. We'll tell you what you need and how to proceed.
The botanical thuja is also called the tree of life and can be seen in many domestic gardens. It is one of the most popular hedge plants because the thuja is a very robust plant. It keeps its color all year round and is available in numerous varieties. If you want to multiply the botanical thuja, this is best done with cuttings. Propagating your own plants has the advantage that they are guaranteed to be of the same variety. In addition, the hedges grow better if you use your own cuttings instead of the usual sowing.
The right time
Basically, the botanical Thuja can be propagated all year round. The best time, however, is midsummer. By the end of June, the plant's shoots are large enough and lignified enough to become a large hedge. However, the cuttings need a cool place with high humidity. A small greenhouse is best for this. Since you usually don't have this at hand, you can alternatively use a transparent plastic bag. Propagation in midsummer offers the advantage that roots form more quickly and the plant can grow quickly.
Multiply Thuja: you need that
To propagate thuja, it is best to use branches from mother plants. These should be vigorous and not too old. Larger branches are cut out of the mother plant. You should prefer hidden places so that there are no large holes in the mother plant. However, the twigs are not the main material for propagation, but the small cracklings are used. Risslings are thin side branches. These will be torn off at the junction. The purpose of tearing it off is that roots form more easily.
These work materials are required
Few materials are needed to propagate the botanical Thuja. Good pruning shears should be available so that branches can be cut straight from the mother plant. Sufficient plant containers must also be available to use the cracklings. In addition to the appropriate potting soil, there is only one plastic bag and oneString, or a greenhouse important to create the necessary humidity.
Here is the list of all materials again:
✓ good secateurs
✓ plant pots
✓ potting soil
✓ Plastic bag with string or greenhouse
Propagating Thuja - step by step
Step ❶ - Prepare cracklings
Once you have cut off all the branches, you must first prepare the cracklings. The side shoots are torn off the branch from top to bottom so that there is still some bark from the branch on the torn pieces. If the bark is too long, you can cut it off with garden shears. There should be about a half inch of bark left at the bottom of the crackling. All side shoots are now carefully cut off at the lower end of the crackling. The foliage should be shortened by about half. If you have done everything correctly, you should now be holding a cutting about eight centimeters long.
Step ❷ - Prepare Planters
Here you have two options. You can use a larger container to plant all the cuttings, or you can use small planters that hold one cutting each. The planter is filled with standard potting soil. The earth should be compacted a little. This works best if you slightly moisten the soil. Now poke small holes in the ground with a wooden skewer, in which the crackling will later be placed. The holes have the advantage that the ends of the crackling don't snap off when you push it into the ground.
Step ❸ - Insert Tearlings
The prepared tearlings are carefully pressed into the ground. The crackling should be placed about two to three centimeters deep in the ground. Make sure the ripslings are secure in the ground - pointing straight up. If you use a large planter, you must plan enough space between the cracklings. Only in this way can the roots form and develop accordingly. A distance of about ten centimeters between the cracklings is ideal. Once all the cracked pieces have been inserted, they are cast on well.
Step ❹ - The Right Cover
The riplings are now covered with the lid of the greenhouse. Alternatively, you can use a plastic bag that you put over the small seedlings. The bag can be tied to the planter with a string. It should be ensured that there is enough oxygen in the bag. The little riftlings should now look like they're standing in a balloon.
Step ❺ - Care of the Tearlings
WARNING:
The botanical thuja is very poisonous, which is why the torpedoes should not get into the hands of children. In addition, you should store the rearings in a place where pets cannot access.
The cracklings need a very high level of humidity. This is guaranteed with the cover. The cracklings should be in a medium-warm place, out of direct sunlight. It is important that they are in a bright place. Water the cracklings every three days. At this point you can remove the cover for a few minutes. This way the plants are aerated and get fresh oxygen. Soil moisture should also be checked regularly. Always keep the soil moist and warm. This allows the roots to spread quickly and grow well. Thuja grows relatively fast. After a few weeks you can already see how the riplings have increased in size. The Risslings are left to grow in the planters over the winter and are exposed the following spring. However, it will take a few years for a large hedge to form.
The botanical Thuja is a hedging plant that grows very quickly. It is ideal as a border for the garden, as it provides optimal privacy.