What is Mexican Bird of Paradise?
Mexican bird of paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana) is a colorful shrub native to Mexico, Central America and Southwestern United States. It grows up to 8 feet tall in ideal conditions, with compound leaves made up of 11-17 leaflets on each side. The blooms are bright yellow, orange or red flowers that look like birds in flight. This beautiful plant can be used as an ornamental bush for yard landscaping and container gardening.
Propagation Methods
There are several ways to propagate Mexican bird of paradise: seeds, stem cuttings and root cuttings. Before attempting any propagation method it’s important to ensure the plant has enough time left in its growing season – ideally a minimum of 6 weeks before the first frost date – as this will give newly rooted plants time to establish themselves outdoors before cold weather sets in.
From Seeds
When propagating from seed the best results come from planting fresh seeds directly into soil prepared with composted manure or other organic material mixed with sand or grit for drainage purposes. Sow seeds either directly outside after the threat of frost has passed; indoors 6-8 weeks prior to transplanting out when all chance of frost has passed; or sow them where you want them planted outdoors during late spring/early summer when there is no risk of frost at night anymore and temperatures remain consistently warm for successful germination rates (about 18°C / 64°F). After sowing lightly cover seeds with fine garden soil, water regularly and keep moist until germination takes place which should happen within 1-4 months depending on temperature and humidity levels amongst other factors such as how fresh your seed stock was upon sowing etc., Once sprouted thin out weaker seedlings leaving only strong healthy ones spaced 10 inches apart (25 cm). Transplant any remaining young seedlings into individual containers once they mature sufficiently -usually 4-6 weeks after germinating- then again transplant those same pots onto their permanent outdoor locations once all chances of frost have gone by mid June/July according latest USDA zone hardiness maps for North America providing you live in zones 7b through 11a otherwise adjust accordingly for colder climates accordingly..
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings offer one alternative way how you can propagate Mexican Bird Of Paradise without having to wait around months while waiting mostly uncertainly whether your new crops will eventually take off & thrive OR not ! All stem cutting propagation attempts must begin by taking softwood stems 5–12 inches long preferably taken right off newer growth shoots towards Springtime just before flowering period begins usually starting around late April/Early May onwards so timing here matters greatly too! Following which remove bottom leaves & stick cutting ends into pre dampened gritty mix such as regular potting soils blended together with perlite, coarse sand & some peat moss plus small amount liquid fertilizer applied every 2 weeks over course following few months while roots are still trying form properly since these plants require well drained yet moist substrates always maintaining pH level between 6–7 perfectly balanced conditions all times! Once established after 3-4 months sufficient roots have emerged transfer potted specimen onto slightly bigger size pot filled ordinary store bought potting soils + slow release fertilizer added topsoil layer leave sit dormant couple more month enabling new additional root system develop fully before finally being able move permanently back outdoors end Summertime assuming danger frosts past already otherwise use raised bedding instead Outdoor balcony rail planters both work equally well if favored option available option too!
Root Cuttings
> Root cuttings provide third way propagating CMP variety although much trickier than rest methods mentioned above requiring specially adapted tools successfully perform job correctly first time round saving yourself lot headache cursing down road later due botched attempts previously… To start simply obtain truncheon shape pieces roughly measuring ½ inch thick carefully whittling away excess woody parts least possible damage inflicted original source material wise then soak 24 hrs lukewarm water promoting active rooting hormones contained inside promote faster healthier growth spurt emerges sooner rather than later follow instructions given below… Take prepared chunks bury deeply inside freshly prepared wetted substrate leaving only very short portion exposed similar tip taken previous section earlier briefly touching upon importance using super charged mixes light organically enriched components draining fast but retain moisture necessary nutrients needed sustain vigorous levels self sustaining eco systems long term basis! Finally seal area plastic wrap ensuring high levels warmth heat retained required speeds process along quickly finish job desired end result attained satisfaction guaranteed !In conclusion, propagating Mexican bird of paradise requires patience but can be rewarding if done correctly using either seeds, stem cuttings or root cuttings. When selecting a method consider climate constraints such as winter freeze dates versus summer heat spells when choosing suitable propagation methods that suit specific region best giving highest success rate possible returning maximum reward dividend investment .
