Plant Propagation Technique
Corms are fleshy and swollen stems that grow under the ground and store food for the plant. They are characterized by their shortened, erect stems carrying scale-like leaves. Corms can produce new plants both from their terminal bud and the smaller buds found in the axils of the leaves.
Just as plant cuttings and rhizomes are used for plant propagation, corms are another part commonly used for the same mission. So how do you use corms to propagate plants?
- You first have to dig them out of the ground.
- Cut them into parts, replant them, and you’re good to go.
As long as the corm part has at least one bud, it can generate a new plant.
Corms are often mistaken for bulbs as the two look quite similar. However, while the shortened, fleshy underground stems appear similar to bulbs, they have many differences. For example, their texture – corms are solid and tend to be firm, while bulbs grow in layers or scales. Additionally, bulbs can live for a long time, either individually or by spitting themselves up. On the other hand, corms generally only live for a year, after which they are replaced by new corms that grow on top of the dead ones
Probably alocasia is the most common house plant that is propagated using corms. However, It isn’t the easiest plant to take care after.
Some other examples of plants that grow corms are gladiolus, tritonia, caladium, and freesia.
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