Many houseplants form offshoots or can be propagated through cuttings. For ambitious plant enthusiasts, this is almost an invitation to increase their numbers. In this article you will find out exactly how to do this and what you need to pay attention to for success.
How to propagate houseplants?
Houseplants can be propagated by cuttings, division or sowing. When cutting, you cut off a he althy shoot and let it root, when dividing, you divide the root ball and when sowing, you use seeds from the plant.
Reasons and benefits of propagation
There is a lot to be said for propagating your houseplants independently. Simply because the process is child's play, if you know what is important, you will have a lot of fun raising them. In addition, you benefit from the following reasons:
- Cost savings
- new plant replaces the existing generation if your old specimen forms unsightly growth as it ages
- identical young plant to maintain beloved characteristics
- Saving space if the mother plant gets too big
Various options
Depending on the capacity and type of plant, you can choose from several methods for propagation.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagate a houseplant with cuttings is probably the easiest of the variants presented here. Here's how to do it:
- The best time is in spring when the plant sprouts
- cut a long, he althy shoot from the mother plant
- this must have at least one sheet
- optionally prepare cultivation pots (€8.00 at Amazon) with substrate
- or place the cuttings in a glass of water
- store the cuttings in a bright location
- avoid direct sunlight
- cover the pot/jar with plastic wrap to increase the humidity
- if roots have formed, replant the cuttings or prick them out
Reproduction by division
If your mother plant grows to unexpected dimensions, we recommend dividing the root ball. It's best to take this measure when you're repotting the houseplant anyway. Use a sharp knife to divide the root ball into as many parts as you like and plant them in individual pots. You should remove brown or dry roots at the same time.
Propagation by sowing
Many houseplants release seeds after flowering, which you carefully remove from the dry inflorescences. Unfortunately, propagation by sowing does not always lead to success. Furthermore, the genetic properties of the plant can change, for example resulting in a new flower color.
Note: When sowing, pay attention to whether the houseplant is a light or dark germinator.
