Houseplant Propagation
Once indoor gardeners begin their houseplant journey, they often find that one or two plants just doesn’t satisfy the yen to have plants. This is a common problem for gardeners in general as outdoor gardeners suffer from the same quirk. Seeing plants just triggers some phenomena in the brain that makes accumulating plants a need rather than a want. Propagation is the process of growing plants from existing ones. It is inexpensive, relatively effortless, and yields more plants for either sharing with friends or increasing the current home population.
Spring is the ideal time to propagate houseplants, but in reality, it can be done any time of the year. Large plants that have outgrown their space, plants that need a trim to improve their appearance if they have gotten lopsided or leggy, or simply those that need to be shared because they are beloved are all good candidates.
Most houseplants are propagated by a vegetative method, including tip, leaf, and stem cutting, or division. The method used will largely be determined by the plant being propagated, as some plants will perform better using one method over another.
When propagating, always use clean sterilized tools and containers to increase the chances of success. Only propagate healthy plants; never use a plant that is diseased or under stress. Select a rooting medium such as sand, vermiculite, perlite, or a combination. The cuttings can be started in a jar of water or in commercial potting soil, but the success rate will be higher with the aforementioned mediums. Dipping the cuttings in a rooting powder before placing them in the media will stimulate root production.
Most common houseplants can be propagated by cuttings, either tip, leaf, or stem. For tip, cut a piece of an actively growing stem or branch 3-6 inches long, making sure there are at least 2 nodes. Remove the lower leaves, dip the end in rooting powder and tap off any excess. Stick the end in the media, making sure that there is at least one node and no leaves buried. Water and allow to drain.
Stem cuttings are similar, but the cut is done further up on the branch. Angle the bottom cut to remember which way is down on the plant and orient it the same way in the pot as it was on the original plant. Remove the lower leaves, and proceed the same as a tip cutting.
Plants like begonia, jade, and African violets are propagated by leaf cuttings. In this case, remove one leaf blade, including the petiole (or leaf stalk). Dip the petiole in rooting hormone and insert in the rooting media.
In all cases, keeping the humidity high will help the plant establish roots. Place a plastic bag dome over the plant. Never let the rooting media dry out. Place the cutting in bright, indirect light. When sufficient roots are established, repot them in good quality potting soil. Do not leave them in the rooting media.
Several plants, like aloe, palm, bromeliad, and snake plant are propagated by division. Remove the entire parent plant from the pot. Lay it on its side and either with fingers or a sharp knife loosen the root ball and divide it into smaller sections, making sure each section has healthy leaves and roots. Repot each section.
The more experience gained, the more successes garnered, the more plants you will have to decorate your homes.
Carol Shirk
Certified Master Gardener