How to Propagate the Beehive Plant

Quickly multiply this ornamental plant inexpensively & easily~

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Partially shaded environment
• Soil w/ with adaquate drainage
• Healthy mother plant
• Scissors
• Pots, hanging baskets, or prepared beds
• Bucket of fresh water
• Optional large (perhaps lime stone) bolders with natural holes and craters- Beehive will attractively grow on and around your rocks

1. The Beehive is a unique plant. The tiny tear drop shaped foliage is two toned. A beautiful warm green color on the surface, and a deep plum underneath. This plant looks like an actual beehive when grown in a hanging basket. It develops into a rounded swarm like shape, full & flowing. The aggressive but tiny root system attaches to the topsoil as well as to large crater like rocks. Propagating a new plant from your mother plant (or even from a friendly neighbor's flower bed) is a snap. When your existing Beehive begins to look overgrown, you have an opportunity to create a new full plant. Simply snip off the excess growth as you groom, place the clippings in a bucket of water.

2. Fill your new pot or hanging basket up to about 2 inches from the rim with unpacked soil mix. Mixing perlite into the soil before hand will help drainage capability. Gently heep the fresh clippings from the water bucket in a thick layer covering the soil up to the rim.

3. Water generously. They will magically spring right up within 24-48 hrs. You can also generously scatter clippings in small sections at a time in a flowerbed perhaps as a border- just be sure to water frequently to ensure success. This plant is full of cottage charm and rustic appeal.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only fresh, healthy clippings
• Instead of garden sheers, scissors are less abusive to the delicate plant
• Use 4 inch clippings to get a quick, full looking plant. Shorter clippings take longer to fill out the planter or flower bed.
• Use 9 inch planters or larger- smaller pots do not do quite as well.
• If aphids visit, (little white pests under the leaves) a gentle solution of sudsy water in a spray bottle will help. Spray under the foliage also.
• Miracle grow works great for summer nutrients. Read package for coverage instructions.
• Finding a starter Beehive plant may be a pain. I have seen them at flea markets and have noticed them in grocery stores in the florist section.
• Keep your plant watered on a regular basis, preferably in the mornings.
• Keep this plant out of direct sunlight, a little morning sun is ok.
• Once established, this plant can takeover flowerbeds if neglected.

[LynnBugg]

on 7/5/2008 I would like more info on this plant. I have one and it is doing great.

[arwen1964]

on 7/4/2008 I love plants that are easy to maintain. This sounds like a good one...