Introduction

Neem tree, also known as Indian Lilac, is an evergreen tree that is native to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The tree is famous for its medicinal properties and is widely used in Ayurveda, homeopathy, and traditional medicine. If you are interested in growing this tree in your garden, you will be pleased to know that it is quite easy to grow neem tree cuttings. In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive guidelines on how to plant neem tree cuttings.

Choosing the Cuttings

The first step to growing a neem tree from cuttings is to carefully select the cuttings. Ideally, you should choose a mature branch that is around 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter. Make sure that the branch is healthy, free of any diseases or pests, and has a few nodes. Nodes are the points on the branch where the leaves grow from. Each cutting should be around 10 to 15 inches long and have at least 2 to 3 leaves on it.

Preparing the Cuttings

After you have chosen the cuttings, you need to prepare them for planting. Start by removing all the leaves from the lower one-third of the cutting. This will help the plant direct its energies into developing roots instead of nourishing leaves. Next, make a slanting cut at the base of the cutting and a straight cut at the tip. The slanting cut should be around 2 to 3 inches long and should be made just under a node.

Planting the Cuttings

Once you have prepared the cuttings, it is time to plant them. First, fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Next, make a hole in the center of the pot using a pencil or a stick. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Make sure that the cutting stays upright in the hole and that the lower one-third of the cutting is buried in the soil. Finally, water the cutting well.

Caring for the Cuttings

After planting the cuttings, you need to take good care of them so they can grow into healthy trees. The cuttings need to be kept in a warm and humid environment to encourage root growth. You can use a plastic bag or a clear plastic container to create a mini greenhouse for the cuttings. Place the container in a bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight as it could scorch the plant. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and make sure to mist the leaves every day to keep the humidity high. After around 4 to 6 weeks, the cuttings should start to develop roots.

Transplanting the Cuttings

When the cuttings have developed roots, it is time to transplant them into a bigger pot or to the garden. If you are transplanting the cuttings to a pot, choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the current pot, and fill it with well-draining soil. Carefully remove the cutting from the current pot and place it in the new pot, making sure not to damage the roots. Water the plant thoroughly and keep it in a bright, but not directly sunny spot.

Conclusion

Growing a neem tree from cuttings is easy if you follow these guidelines. Remember to choose healthy cuttings, prepare them properly, plant them in a well-draining potting mix, and take care of them until they develop roots. Neem tree is a wonderful addition to any garden, and it is also an excellent source of natural remedies for numerous ailments. We hope this article has been helpful to you in learning how to plant neem tree cuttings.