HOUSEPLANT PROPER PROPAGATION
Introduction Accurate Plan 6 Easy Propa OMG! It root Tool Kit Resources + R 01 02 03 04 05 06
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO ASEXUAL PROPAGATION
Plants reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual propagation or reproduction requires fertilization between a male and female plant to build the next generation of plants which evolve through seed. Asexual propagation, the type we will explore here, requires only a single parent plant to produce genetically identical plants.
The least complicated type of propagation for tropical houseplants is the asexual technique.
While there are several methods within asexual propagation, only a handful work well, especially for DIY with houseplants. We will review the top tried + true methods to ensure your success with different varieties of tropical plants.
We're rooting for your success!
How much science do I really need to know for propagation? Are there different methods for different plants? Which one is the right one for my specific plant?
ACCURATE PLANT IDENTIFICATION
discovering the botanical name is essential to successful propag health and successful care of yo
As we learn the methods of plant reproduction, we will help you discover how essential it is to have the right information about the parent plant. Vital to securing that information begins with the correct identification of the plant.
Plants can be wrongly identified and lead you down a path of disappointment. The best step forward in trying any new plant is to get it from a reputable plant shop, independent garden center, or trusted friend that has properly identified the species and variety of the plant before you bring it into your collection.
Identification does not always come with good information, but it's an excellent start. Experience and practice will help you hone your skills.
COMMON METHODS OF PROPAGATION
STEM & NODE CUTTING + WATER
Identifying the node of a plant is key to the success of this method. The node is the sweet spot located on the stem and looks like a little bump. Just above the node, you are going to make a swift, clean angled cut. Do not saw at the stem or squeeze it or you will destroy the vascular system that allows water to run through the stem.
Quickly place the cutting in a clean vessel of water. Roots will form at that node and a new plant is formed. Depending on the plant The roots will appear within 1-5 weeks.
Easy plants for this methodDracaena Monstera Philodendron Pothos Rubber tree String of pearls Swedish ivy ZZ plant
STEM & NODE CUTTING + SPHAGNUM MOSS
Using the same method as above, find the node, make the cut, but plant in a prepared dish of warm, wet sphagnum. The cutting will do better if it is placed with a domed lid to hold constant humidity.
Easy plants for this methodAnthurium Bromeliad Begonia Bird’s nest Fern Blue Star Fern Fiddle-Leaf Fig Hoya Orchid
Usually, this is the first method that any houseplant lover experiments with as an initiative measure. Simply take a clean cut of your plant at a leaf with the stem attached and place in water.
Easy plants for this methodChinese Evergreen Spiderwort Pothos Calathea + Marantha Dracaena Lucky Bamboo Philodendron Peace Lily Dieffenbachia Coleus Pilea
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LEAF CUTTING + WATER
COMMON METHODS OF PROPAGATION
LEAF CUTTING + LECA
This is the same method as leaf cutting for water, but with pre-soaked clay balls added to the water. Simply take a clean cut of your plant at a leaf with the stem attached and place in water. The same plants that are successful in water are also excellent with the added moisture and texture of leca.
Easy plants for this method -
Spiderwort
LEAF CUTTING + VEIN LAYERING
The most advanced + slowest method of propagation, but very successful and rewarding. The key is to try not to peek!
Prepare a tray of either warm, well-draining potting soil, straight perlite, or a sand mix depending on the plant material. Take sharp, clean leaf cuttings and prepare them as prescribed. Large leaf Begonia pieces will get cuts on the back side of the leave across the veins. Sansevieria will have one long leaf blade cut in 3" pieces (remember which end is up). Keep the soil moist. When you are finished making the cuttings, cover loosely with dome or plastic wrap.
Easy plants for this methodSansevieria Jade + other succulents ZZ Plants Peperomia Calathea + Maranta Begonia
DIVISION + OFF SHOOTS
Several plants produce off-shoots on runners or racemes that can be cut and separated to pot up as separate plants. You'll simply tease the roots apart, separate them, and pot them individually.
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Pothos Coleus Chinese Evergreen
Dracenea Philodendron Pilea Lucky Bamboo Peace Lily Calathea Dieffenbachia
LEAVE IT IN THE WATER AND BRAG ABOUT YOUR BRILLIANCE
Cuttings can live a surpsingly long time in the water, but not indefinitely. Observe the roots often if you intend to leave them in water for an extended period. It should have fresh white roots. If brown roots start to form, the plant will be suffering root rot. Top off or replace the water. Do not let film build up at old water lines - dried nutrients, salt and fertilizer will look like a chalk ring.
OR - IT'S POTTING TIME!
Once a set of strong white roots have formed, new leaves or observable growth has started, it's time to transfer into an appropriate pot, soil, and new fertilizer regime.
Well-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole is the ideal new home for your rooted cutting. Some plants may need early support from a small stake or moss pole.
Observe your plant for shock or vulerablities. It should be well settled within a week or two.
ROOTED IN SOIL - I *MUST* POT IT UP!
Brown roots that were once white are a sign of root rot. They can no longer survive and have no use for the plant.
Malformed leaves and new growth that is stunted are also signs that it is time for potting.
OMG! IT ROOTED! NOW WHAT? OBSERVATIONS OF PLANT HEALTH AND BEHAVIORS
TOOL KIT
ONLY THE ESSENTIALS.
Razor sharp + clean secateurs
Tne right tools for making cuttings are vital Dull tools will smash the stem and collapse the vascular system needed to move water through the plants
Designate a good pair of pointed secateurs for the job. Clean your tools between plants with warm water and then spray with Neem oil to keep them safe from pathogens and disease. Before putting them away, clean one last time with water and wipe with alcohol. Be sure to keep them oiled for full function.
Clean vessels at the ready
A rooting station is ideal to have if the "cutting bug bites you. There are many available one the marketing from complex systems with multiple[le vessels + grow light kits and rudimentary systems that fit near a window sill
In truth, any clean vessel that can hold water will do.
Soil cuttings can start in pot pots or even a clamshell that held Sam's Club croisants with proper drainage holes poked through the bottom
Fertilizer - use a well-balanced neutral liquid in water
If you are a beginner, less is more for plant health maintenance, but none is a bad idea Plants get most of what they need from air, soil, and water to survive. What you really want is for them to THRIVE. Once a plant is outside of its native environment and placed in a container, it is now up to us to give it its best life
The essential micronutrients, minerals and other natural elements they would receive in the captured form in today's well-researched fertilizers Get some Use it Light doses - every time you water
Resources + Recommended Reading Books
Propagate: How to Regrow your Houseplants. Paul Anderton, Robin Daly, Hardie Grant Publisher, Mary 2022
Plantopedia - The Definitive Guide to Houseplants, Lauren Camillerri and Sophia Kaplin, Smith Street Books, 2020
Leaf Supply - A Guide to Keeping Happy Houseplants, Lauren Camillerri and Sophia Kaplin, Smith Street Books, 2018
The House Plant Encyclopedia, Ingrid Jantra and Ursula Krúger, Firefly Books, 1997
Urban Botanicals - An indoor Plant Guide for Modern Gardeners, Maaike Koster and Emma Sibley, Aurum Press, 2017
Grow in the Dark - How to Choose and Care for Low-Light Houseplants, Lisa Eldred Steinnkopf, Quarto Publishing Group, 2019
Plant Supply - Create an Indoor Oasis for your Urban Space, Jason Chonngue, Hardie Grant, 2017
Websites
Modern Farmer
https://modernfarmer com/2021/04/how-to-propagate-your-houseplants/
HouseplantHouse
https://houseplanthouse.com/2021/01/09/everything-you-ever-wanted-toknow-about-houseplant-propagation/
Houseplant Resource Center,
https://houseplantresourcecenter.com/2022/05/houseplant-identification-tips-to-idyour-mystery-houseplant/