PROPAGATION
Snip snip snip …put in water… snip snip snip…making more plant babies . The cycle of snip,plant and share, I’ve experimented on accident and on purpose with success! The joy of sharing propagations and trading to add to your collection. Every plant counts, so let’s dive into making some plant babies with some simple fun ways.
How to Propagate Houseplants From Stem Cuttings
To propagate new plants from most fast-growing, multi-stemmed houseplants such as Arrowhead Vine, Aglaonema, Christmas Cactus, Marantha, Coleus, Cordyline, Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane), English Ivy, Pothos, Satin Pothos, FIddle Leaf, Hoya, Jade, Monstera Adansonii, Monstera Deliciosa, Pink Princess Philodendron, Philodendron, Rubber Plant, Peperomia, Pilea, String of Pearls, String of Hearts, Tradescantia, Wander Jew..etc
Step 1:
First, cut 4 to 6 inches from the tip of the main stem or side branch, snipping just below a node (where leaf and stem meet). Remove the lower leaves and any flowers so that just a few leaves are left at the top of the stem.
Step 2:
Fill cap of rooting hormone with powder. This reduces contaminating all of your rooting powder.
Hormex is a great rooting powder I’ve used and it’s available in different strength Indole-3-Butyric Acid, a plant hormone ingredient that accelerates root formation. It is used on various plant varieties to promote a healthy root system. Traditional house plants root well using the .10 percent strength and up to .30 percent strength.
In a small container fill with potting soil, either a seed starting potting mix or all purpose mix will work.
I was attracted to this special formulated houseplant mixture from Miracle Gro when I was at Home Depot and I was pleasantly surprised on its quality and how well it took to water. Usually I tend to stray away from Miracle Gro as I usually found it to be very hydrophobic and inconsistent. I’ve used this for my repotting and progatations and things are looking awesome. I try different things but this has been a go to .
Indent hole in soil, then insert the cut stem into the moist potting mix ( Use a spray bottle or plant mister) , and gently press the soil around the stem. Or, you can skip the rooting powder and place your cutting in a vase of water.
Step 3:
Provide indirect light and keep the potting mix moist *( Use a spray bottle or plant mister) or the water topped up.
You can cover your cutting with a clear plastic bag to help hold in moisture while roots form. I’ve also use plastic tupperware since that provides a clear lid and locks in some of that wonderful greenhouse effect moisture. I open them during the night periodically to allow air movement.
Step 4:
When cuttings planted in soil resist a gentle tug, they have rooted enough to repot.
Start with a small container appropriate to the new root mass. This reduces overwatering and allows the little new born plant to adjust to its new surroundings.
Move cuttings in water to a container of potting mix as soon as roots sprout and reach about half an inch long. If you leave cuttings in water too long, they will have a harder time acclimating to potting soil.
How to Create Divisions from Your Houseplants
For houseplants that produce many offshoots or pups from the roots such as African Violet, Cast Iron Plant, Corn Plant, Aloe, Spathiphyllum, Asparagus Fern, Boston Fern, Aglaonema, Anthurium, Bromeliad, Bird of Paradise, Orchid(Phalaenopsis), Caladium, Jade, Netha Bella Palm, and Snake Plant etc.
Step 1:
Remove the whole plant from its pot.
For each pup, gently pull and allow the plant to tell you what can naturally be removed. If the natural tension being applied isn’t enough force then it’s time for some tools.
You may use a trowel or soil knife to slice through stubborn roots. Try to keep as many roots as possible with each pup.
Step 2:
Immediately place the separated pups into new containers of potting soil.
Evaluate the mother plant and ensure the current container size may be too large since we have removed some roots/pups. I usually down size my mother plant to allow for a better recovery and a container that isn’t too large for the new division. Keep in mind 1 to 2” gap between root and container for proper container sizing.
Keep the soil evenly moist for the next few weeks to help the disturbed roots begin to grow again.
Step 3:
Place plants out of direct light. Move them into brighter light over a period of 10 days.
I like to water my plants with root stimulants vs fertilizers. I suggest Superthrive as it reduces plant shock stress from transplant and encourages new roots quicker.
After a month and during the growing season using fish emulsion based fertilizers will encourage healthy growth.
3 Ways to Propagate Houseplants From Leaf Cuttings
African Violet
To propagate an African Violet break a leaf off from the main plant, making sure to keep the petiole (leaf stem) attached. Insert the petiole into either water or a moist potting mix. Pot up leaves that have been in water as soon as roots form.
Begonia
To propagate a rex begonia, set a healthy leaf, top side up, on moist potting mix. Slice through a few of the veins with a clean knife and pin the leaf down with toothpicks so the cuts come in contact with the potting mix. Keep moist, covering the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse if you like. Pot the plantlets that grow from each cut, once they have a few leaves on them.
Snake Plant
To propagate a snake plant, cut a leaf into sections with clean pruning shears. Make angled cuts so the bottom ends come to a point in the center. Dip bottom ends in rooting powder; insert in moist potting soil. New plants will form to sides of leaf sections. I have also placed my cuttings into water and have water propagate snake plants. It can take a month or so, but be patient and watch those orange roots grow !
