I got this Schisandra chinensis “Eastern Prince” from nursery about two-three weeks ago and it was two-years-old plant about 2’ tall just starting leafing out; but today I noticed all leafs ware dry and plant is dry to the ground. Although it was in a wet soil, in a pot, in a shade.
Upon examine I found it was trunk starting to rot, and it has rootball with tiny roots, and few thick and very long roots above that, and rotting just in-between. So I am very sure plant is still alive but I am afraid to kill it; I’ve read that thick roots like that contain sugar and carbs and can easily start new life. Any advice on how to do root propagation? maybe in plastic ziplocks with some perlite and/or sphagnum in it?
Thank you!
On these pictures you can see I split plant into two parts, top part has two long thick roots, and bottom part has visibly alive root ball which I already planted in a regular pot & soil, outside.
If you have existing plant then perhaps easiest way is air layering. But I have roots only I’ve read somewhere thick roots are like potato, contain carbs, will make babies. So my plan: 5-7cm cuttings, sterilize in peroxide, put into plastic pot with cover (from restaurant take-out), cover with wet sumisoil (it is pieces of charcoal covered with clay, and charcoal prevents bacterial growth); no fertilizers… put one in a fridge for 3 weeks; another one in a shade (in room); some experiments.
But I planted two main parts “as is” in the gardening-type ProMix soil in a pot (in a shade, outside), very sure it should grow; but long thick roots were too long so I have few pieces to experiment
Here is my setup, SumiSoil (sterilized with boiling water) and plastic pots for food, one has pieces of roots covered with soil, and another one uncovered; placed in a room on windowsill, and a shady area; wish me luck
Personally I think not buried in soil are better: I can spray by peroxide if needed; but many sources suggest to bury it.
I think the one with the roots covered will sprout first. Though I will admit I’ve never had luck getting root cuttings (with figs and such) growing. I think that because schisandra is a vining plant that you should have a good chance.
I’ve read somewhere thick roots are like potato, contain carbs, will make babies. So my plan: 5-7cm cuttings, sterilize in peroxide, put into plastic pot with cover (from restaurant take-out), cover with wet sumisoil (it is pieces of charcoal covered with clay, and charcoal prevents bacterial growth); no fertilizers… put one in a fridge for 3 weeks; another one in a shade (in room); some experiments.
