Immortality herb (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) owes its name to the numerous ingredients that are particularly valued in Asia. The easy-care climbing plant is also enjoying increasing popularity in this country. Propagation is easy and even beginners can do it.
How do you propagate immortality herb?
Immortality herb (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) can be easily propagated via stems, cuttings, rhizomes or seeds. Cuttings, suckers and rhizomes ensure identical offshoots of the mother plant, while seeds have a lower germination rate.
Methods for Propagating Immortality Herb
- Lowers
- Cuttings
- Rhizomes
- Seeds
Vegetative propagation via planters, cuttings or rhizomes leads to identical offshoots, so these methods are most commonly used.
Growing from seeds is possible, but there is usually a lack of suitable seeds. Seeds harvested from your own plants are rarely pure.
Propagate mortality herb via reducers
Carefully loosen the soil next to the plant. Select a long vine to place on the prepared soil. Lightly score the tendril two to three times. Cover the shoot with soil and, if necessary, secure it with a tent peg. The shoot tip is not covered.
After a few weeks, small roots form at the scratch points and the plant sprouts new leaves. You can now separate the tendril and move the young plants to another location.
Cut cuttings
Cuttings are best cut in spring. They should be around 15 to 20 centimeters long. Remove the lower leaves and place the shoots with the cut side down in prepared pots with potting soil.
Dig up rhizomes
Larger specimens of the immortality plant develop rhizomes on the sides. You can easily separate these. Make sure there are enough roots on the rhizome. Plant the cuttings in prepared pots or a sheltered spot in the garden.
Propagate immortality herb from seeds
Buy only verified seeds and expect that even with proper treatment only a few seeds will germinate.
Before sowing, the seeds should be placed in 20 degree warm water for several hours before they are sown in trays with potting soil. Gently moisten the substrate.
The cultivation pots are covered with foil (€13.00 on Amazon) and placed in a warm, bright place to germinate.
Tip
Immortality herb or Jiaogulan is a climbing plant from the cucurbit family. The tendrils can reach several meters long, so you have to pull the plant on a trellis.
