Propagation Tips

Propagation in water is a simple and effective way to grow new plants from cuttings. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Select a Healthy Cutting: Choose a healthy plant and use clean, sharp scissors or shears to cut a stem just below a node (the point where a leaf is attached). Make sure to leave one or two leaves above the cut.

2. Remove Excess Leaves: If there are any leaves near the bottom of the cutting, remove them to avoid them rotting in the water.

3. Let the Cutting Callous: Before placing the cutting in water, let the cut end callous over for a few hours or overnight. This step helps prevent rot and encourages the cutting to focus on root growth.

4. Place in Water: Submerge the cut end of the stem in a clean jar or glass of water. Make sure the node (the area where roots will develop) is fully submerged but the leaves remain above the waterline.

5. Change the Water Regularly: Keep the water clean by changing it every few days to prevent bacteria and algae buildup. You can also use filtered water for better results.

6.  Wait for Roots to Grow: Over the next few weeks, roots will begin to form. Be patient—some plants take longer than others to develop roots.

7.  Plant Once Roots Are Established: Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to soil. Make sure to plant it in a well-draining potting mix.

Tips:

• Not all cuttings will root successfully, but don't be discouraged. Try again with different cuttings if needed.
• Keep the cutting in a location with indirect light to avoid sunburn while the roots are developing.

Propagation in water is a great way to grow new plants, and with a little care, you'll have new additions to your garden or home!

Soil Propagation

• Take a cutting from a healthy plant, typically a stem or leaf cutting.
• Remove any excess leaves from the lower part of the cutting.
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional, but can help).
• Plant the cutting in a small pot with well-draining soil.
• Water lightly and keep the soil moist (but not soggy).
• Cover with a plastic bag or a clear plastic dome to create humidity, which helps the cutting root faster.
• Place in bright, indirect light until roots begin to form.

 Propagation with Perlite

Perlite helps cuttings develop roots quickly because it provides a loose, well-draining environment with good airflow. This encourages the cutting to form roots without getting waterlogged or suffocated.

Soak the perlite in water for about 15-20 minutes. This will ensure the perlite is moist, not dry, which is important for encouraging root growth. Perlite doesn’t retain moisture long-term, so the initial soaking helps it hold water longer.T

Take a healthy cutting from your parent plant. For stem cuttings, ensure you have at least 3-4 inches of stem with one or two nodes (the points where leaves or roots emerge). Trim any excess leaves or branches. Optionally, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. This is not always necessary, but it can speed up the process, especially for hard-to-root plants.

Place the cutting into a container or tray filled with moistened perlite. Bury the cut end in the perlite, ensuring that at least one node is under the surface. The perlite should be firm enough to hold the cutting upright but not too compacted.

If using a shallow container, space cuttings a few inches apart to allow room for root development.

Mist the perlite and cuttings regularly to maintain humidity around the cutting. This is crucial because cuttings need high humidity to keep from drying out. You can also place a clear plastic dome or plastic wrap over the container to create a mini greenhouse effect.

Keep the perlite moist (but not soggy), and check daily to ensure it hasn’t dried out.

Within a few weeks (usually 2-4 weeks, depending on the plant), you should see roots beginning to form. You can gently tug on the cuttings to check for resistance, indicating root growth.

Transplanting:

Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, it can be transplanted into soil. Gently remove the cutting from the perlite and place it into a small pot with a well-draining potting mix.