Propagation of Eugenia brasiliensis (Grumixama) via Leafy Cuttings

[FlyingFoxFruits]

about 5 yr ago, I accidentally figured out you can root Eugenia brasiliensis (Grumichama) via leafy cuttings.  I had stripped some seedlings of their leaves, letting them fall below onto the soil (which was a layer of 100% Canadian Sphagnum peat).  I kept the seedlings in the shade, as I was letting them recover from being separated from a community pot.  About 4 months after, I noticed the leaves on the soil were still green...i went to pick up a leaf, and saw it had a 4 inch long root.

I have never seen this propagation technique referenced in any book, or abstract.

it would be a valuable means of propagation, because Grumixama is a highly variable species that produces seedlings that aren't always true to type.

earlier this year I took some cuttings of a rare variegated variety.  It's been approx 5 month since I took the cuttings....the leaves are still healthy and green...I believe some of them have produced roots.  I'm afraid to disturb them now, but I will post pictures as soon as I can, to show how the root growth looks.

please stay tuned to this thread if you are interested in propagating Eugenia brasiliensis...you just might learn something new, that you won't be able to read in a book.

 

[JonathonForester]

How was the growth rate on the first rooted leaf?

[FlyingFoxFruits]

How was the growth rate on the first rooted leaf?

I sacrificed the cuttings , and did not nurture them after I discovered them with roots , I discarded them.

[Galka]

Adam, we need to talk....about those variegated cuttings...

[Don]

Maybe the itaguahiensis may be of similar nature, they have nice thick leathery leaf aswell that may just keep enough reserves for rooting over a period of time.

[starch]

Definitely following!

[Grapebush]

That is something great to know! I need to try that myself, with a great yellow one that is growing close to my place!

I'm doing some experiences with some myrtaceae cuttings, but only the leaves, I had never tought about that! The only plants that I only used to root by leaf cuttings, were Saintpaulias... lol

[BrianL]

Can you take some pics?  I am interested in trying this.

[ScottR]

Interesting pic's please

[FlyingFoxFruits]

Interesting pic's please

Can you take some pics?  I am interested in trying this.

[Luisport]

WOW! That's great to know! Thank's!

[fruitlovers]

I remember your original post. Would be interesting to know if you can really get a healthy plant to grow from your leaf cuttings? Also curious to know if it would work with other species of eugenias?

[Grapebush]

Man, I was expecting to see a root, with the tickness of a hair, and actualy their quite strong.
I definitely need to try this! And it occured in just about 5 months, right?

[FlyingFoxFruits]

I remember your original post. Would be interesting to know if you can really get a healthy plant to grow from your leaf cuttings? Also curious to know if it would work with other species of eugenias?

I tried to find the original post, but couldn't...I figured it would be best to start a thread for this groundbreaking info   

yes of course, the cuttings will produce healthy plants...I remember last time, they eventually started to put out leaves, once they made enough roots.  They start to look just like a regular cutting.

honestly, I should have waited before disturbing the cuttings, but I felt pressured to provide some picture proof    

After i verified that they were growing roots, I carefully repotted them.

being that they are variegated, they grow slow as molasses.  I remember the regular grumixama producing roots in 2/3 of the time required for variegated, which takes a good 4-6 month at least.

Yes, this will work with other species of Eugenia.  The only other species I can think of now, is E. itaguahiensis, but there must be others.  Based on my research, the species must be an evergreen, that has durable leaves, which stay on the tree for a long time before being shed.

[palologrower]

raise your hand if you went outside and started clipping some leaves?! ha ha ha.  this is awesome adam!

[FlyingFoxFruits]

raise your hand if you went outside and started clipping some leaves?! ha ha ha.  this is awesome adam!

palologrower,
thanks! haha!

but remember, you must pluck the leaf, by pulling downward, so the petiole snaps off, making a clean break.  You want the whole leaf...the part that attaches to the stem (petiole) is the part the produces a root.

[palologrower]

raise your hand if you went outside and started clipping some leaves?! ha ha ha.  this is awesome adam!

palologrower,
thanks! haha!

but remember, you must pluck the leaf, by pulling downward, so the petiole snaps off, making a clean break.  You want the whole leaf...the part that attaches to the stem (petiole) is the part the produces a root.

good thing I didn't have time to pluck yesterday!  ha ha ha.

[FlyingFoxFruits]

I think pure Canadian sphagnum peat is probably the best meduim... But I used fafard 2S, which has lots of peat, some perlite and pine bark....., and I dipped the petioles in hormex rooting powder (not necessary)

And I used a one gal root maker pot, to ensure good drainage (so they didn't get soggy), cuz I be watering too much!

[ScottR]

Thank very cool Adam, please keep us posting on growth  ;)sorry for any pressure Bro!

[FlyingFoxFruits]

Thank very cool Adam, please keep us posting on growth  ;)sorry for any pressure Bro!

yes of course, I will be sure to post an update...

with my luck, I probably damaged the roots by trying to show them off... and I will have to wait another year to try again!

haha!

I really want to start propagating (and selling the variegated grumixama), so you know I'll be showing them off once they are for sale....

at this rate, it will take a year or more to get them ready  (from the time I take leaf cutting)

[Guanabanus]

Intriguing!