Are you feeling the pinch of rising prices and a sluggish economy? Don’t let inflation get you down! One way to save some green is by propagating your own houseplants from cuttings. Not only is propagating a fun and rewarding hobby, but it allows you to expand your plant collection without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s like magic: you can create exact clones of your favorite plants and multiply your plant babies to your heart’s content. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the easy steps to propagating houseplants from cuttings and help you save some cash in the process.
What you will need:
First things first:
- you’ll need a healthy parent plant,
- a sharp knife or scissors (nothing too dull, or you’ll be hacking away at that stem for hours),
- and a container filled with soil or rooting medium. (Don’t know what a rooting medium is click here)
Step one:
choose a stem or leaf from the parent plant that looks like it means business. Make sure it’s free of pests and diseases, and that it has at least a few sets of leaves (we don’t want any of those sad, leggy cuttings). Then, using your sharp knife or scissors, carefully cut the stem or leaf just below the node (the bump where the leaves are attached). Remove any lower leaves and flowers – they’ll just rot in the soil and bring down the whole operation.
Step two:
fill a container with a well-draining soil or rooting medium. Some options include perlite, vermiculite, sand, or a mix of peat moss and perlite. Water the soil until it’s evenly moist, but not sopping wet (we don’t want to drown our cuttings).
Step three:
it’s time to bring out the big guns – rooting hormone. Dip the cut end of the stem or leaf into the hormone, which will stimulate root growth and give your cutting a fighting chance. You can find rooting hormone at most garden stores or online. Simply follow the package instructions for application.
Step four:
plant the cutting in the soil or rooting medium, making sure that the node is covered. You can either plant the cutting directly into the soil, or use a rooting container such as a jar filled with water. If using a rooting container, make sure to change the water every few days to prevent it from becoming stagnant and gross.
Step five:
find the perfect spot for your cutting. Place it in a warm, well-lit location out of direct sunlight. You can also cover the container with a plastic bag or dome to create a humid environment, which will help the cutting to retain moisture. And voila!
With a little patience and TLC, you’ll have a fully rooted plant in no time.
and there you go!
you are now ready to start some easy plants for beginners to try propagating from cuttings include pothos, snake plant, philodendron, and spider plant.
Trust me, with a little practice, you’ll be propagating like a pro in no time.
Happy gardening!