Final answer:
To properly grow and plant ornamental plants, various methods such as cutting, layering, and asexual reproduction can be utilized, with the apical meristem being a key growth area. Techniques like air layering and greenhouse management are fundamental, especially for species that do not breed true from seed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper way to grow and plant ornamental plants involves various techniques. One common method is through cutting, where a portion of a stem containing nodes and internodes is placed in a moist medium, sometimes only water, to root. Notable examples include coleus and money plant. The apical meristem plays a critical role in plant growth, similar to how the bones in your body grow longer.
Another effective method is layering, particularly for plants like jasmine and bougainvillea. This technique involves bending a stem and covering it with soil to encourage roots to form while still attached to the mother plant. Conversely, air layering involves removing a portion of bark from a stem, covering it with moss, and sometimes applying rooting hormone before eventually transplanting it as a new plant.
Asexual reproduction is essential for propagating woody plants that do not breed true from seed, such as apple trees. This could mean either rooting from a cutting or inducing roots to produce new shoots. Greenhouse management also plays a significant role in plant propagation, such as using blackout shade cloths or applying red light to encourage flowering in long-day plants or blue light to stimulate leafy growth in seedlings. Adjustments made for fruit ripening through the application of plant hormones are common practices that have led to various horticultural advancements.