Do you have this one houseplant with the wonderful flowers and are afraid that the plant might die soon? Then let’s get to the scissors. By taking cuttings from your specimen and propagating them, you ensure the continuation of the exceptional characteristics of your houseplant. Because propagation from cuttings is always genetic. In addition, the process is very easy. See for yourself.
How to propagate houseplants with cuttings?
To propagate houseplants using cuttings, cut off a he althy shoot that has at least one leaf in spring. You can then let the cutting germinate either in a nutrient-poor substrate or in a glass of water and repot it later.
Propagate houseplants with cuttings - instructions
The right time
Basically, propagation from cuttings is possible all year round. However, early spring is particularly recommended. At this time of year, your houseplant is sprouting and investing all of its energy into producing strong shoots. This creates the best conditions for rapid germination and he althy growth of the daughter plant.
Cut cuttings
- Choose a sufficiently long and he althy shoot from the mother plant.
- To separate, only use sterile, sharp tools so as not to cause any damage to the mother plant.
- Place the scissors directly below a knot.
- For successful germination, the cutting must have at least one leaf.
- If the shoot is long enough, you can cut it into several cuttings.
Rearing
Now you have the choice between two rearing methods:
- Germination in substrate
- Germination in a water glass
Germination in substrate
- Prepare growing pots with nutrient-poor substrate.
- Prick the soil with a wooden stick.
- Place the cutting in the hole.
- Press the soil lightly all around.
- Water the substrate lightly.
Germination in a water glass
- Fill a vase with fresh water.
- Put the cutting inside.
- Observe whether small roots form.
- If they are strong enough, pot the houseplant in the right substrate
Note: Rooting in a glass of water occurs faster than in soil.
Care tips
Enrich the substrate
Conventional potting soil is usually too harsh for the new, tender roots. It is better to mix peat and sand to make alternative soil. If necessary, sprinkle the cuttings with a growth hormone before planting.
Provide humidity
In the first few weeks, the cuttings cannot absorb water from the soil. Therefore, place a plastic wrap over the pot to increase the humidity.
The correct watering behavior
Be careful of waterlogging. Water your cuttings only moderately. Mold on the substrate surface is a clear warning signal of too much water.
