How to Start a Clipping of a Crown of Thorns Plant
The crown of thorns is a showy plant. During much of the year, its broad elliptical foliage is studded with clusters of dainty pink, white, yellow or variegated flowers resembling impatiens. In most places, crown of thorn is grown as an indoor or container plant, but in tropical or semitropical climates, it is also popular as an outdoor shrub. The stems of the plant are covered with sharp thorns. The easiest and most common way of propagating a crown of thorn plant is by taking cuttings early or late in the growing season. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife or razor blade
- Spray bottle
- Rooting hormone
- Pots
- Planting medium
Instructions
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1
Take cuttings 3 or 4 inches long from some of the longer branches on the parent plant.
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Spray the cut tips of the parent plant to slow the flow of latex from the cut.
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3
Allow the cuttings to dry out for 24 hours, then dust the end of the cuttings with powdered rooting hormone, available at most garden supply stores and nurseries.
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Prepare the pots by filling them with a mixture of peat moss and sand. Plant one or more cuttings in each pot and tamp the potting mixture around each stem to eliminate air pockets.
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Place the pots in a brightly lighted area but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but do not overwater, as this will prevent the cuttings from taking root.
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The crown of thorns will take root in six to eight weeks. Transplant it to a larger container when it has outgrown the starter pot.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear gloves when handling a crown of thorns.
Crown of thorns is not suitable for households with young children.
