Eager to propagate some plants?
You've come to the right place!
There are many ways to get started - currently, this site reviews the basics:
propagation by seeds and cuttings.
Check back for additions such as propagation by bulbs, division and
runners as we continue to "grow"! In the mean time, here are some questions to consider to help match you
with your ideal plant:
How much care are you able to provide your plants?
Some plants - such as pothos, rhododondren and ivy to name a few - root quite easily and require very little care. Others, such as cacti, ZZ Plant, and even flowering plants like Hibiscus can require a bit more patience or care. Be sure to choose a plant that is a good match for you.
Do you enjoy the soil, or do you prefer to avoid mess?
It may surprise you to learn that many plants can be propagated using water instead of soil! If messy soils are a concern, water propagation may be a good choice for you. It also has the added benefit of allowing you to watch the roots grow!
Do you have a specific place picked out for it already?
Matching your plant with its preferred environment (especially when they are first getting started) is a critical step to ensuring the development of a healthy plant. Try to consider factors like light (how much and for how long? natural or artifical?), temperature, and humidity when selecting a home for a plant - or vice versa.
Now that you've asked and answered the hard questions, let's begin with the most straight-forward method of propagation:
SEEDS
In regards to planting seeds, my grandmother (a farmer) used to say: "Just toss 'em
on the ground and let nature take over." While there are things you can do to give seed propagation the best
chance of success, in large part she had it right. Propagation by seed is generally as easy as placing 2-3
seeds in the center of a thoroughly dampened seed starter pod (made of peat or coco coir), soil mix for pots
and raised beds, or small divot poked directly into the ground.
Some less common seeds may be propogated in water; but if you decided to avoid soil, seed propagation is not
recommended. Seeds are more likely to rot in water than germinate (the process of emerging from the seed) -
so for water propagation check out "CUTTINGS".
CUTTINGS
Propagation by cutting is a process by which leaves or stems are cut from a plant - commonly known as
the "parent plant" - which are then rooted and cultivated into new plants! If you have a plant around that
you wish you could have more of, don't buy more! This might be an excellent way of making those dreams come
true.
Most plants that can be propagated by cutting can successfully root in both soil and water - although
stem cuttings are much easier to cultivate in water than leaf cuttings. Cuttings should only be about 10%
submerged in water, which is difficult to accomplish with leaves. Regardless of which medium you choose to
propagate in, the first steps are the same:
- STEP 1: Using clean, sharp scissors, take as many cuttings as desired from the parent plant.
- For leaves, cut at the base where the leaf meets the stem.
- For stems, cut 1/4-1/2 inch below the bump (also known as "node"). If the stem does not have nodes, cut a piece of stem approximately 6 inches long.
- STEP 2: If propagating cuttings in soil, poke a hole about 1/4-1/2 inch long with your finger or pencil tip (depending on your cutting). Dip the freshly cut end of your cutting into a rooting powder and place it gently in the hole. Others have had success with honey and/or cinnamon as well, but I've had the most success with a rooting powder.
- Gently pack the dampened soil around the stem, and place a support like a trellis or stick if desired. Water throroughly, allowing excess water to drain out before placing in its new home.
- STEP 3: If propagating cuttings in water, simply fill the desired container with filtered water and place your cutting so the stem is submerged at least a 1/2 inch. We recommend filtered, as different geographic locations have different water quality. Filtering water for rooting plants ensures they are not overwhelmed by whatever is in your local tap water, giving them the best chance of success.
- If using water in a clear or transparent container, be wary of placing your plant in front of a bright window with plenty of sunlight. Glass and water have unique properties that maginfy the intensity of light, and can risk damage to plants!