How to Propagate Foliage Plants

Plant propagation may seem like a formidable task reserved for master gardeners, but creating new plants from mature plants is a relatively easy project, even for beginning gardeners. Taking stem cuttings from healthy plants is an easy way to propagate many foliage plants, including begonia, philodendron, geranium, impatiens, coleus and ivy. Plants with succulent, fleshy foliage, including African violet, kalanchoe, sedum, peperomia, Swedish ivy and jade can be propagated by leaf cuttings.

Things You'll Need

• Shears or pruners
• Planting container with drainage hole
• General purpose commercial potting soil
• Spray bottle
• Powdered rooting hormone
• Waxed paper
• Clear plastic bag
• Rubber band

Instructions

Stem Cutting

1. Use clean shears or pruners to cut a 4- to 6-inch stem from a healthy plant. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the stem.

2. Prepare a planting container. Any container with at least one drainage hole in the bottom will work. Fill the container with general-purpose commercial potting soil, then moisten the soil with a spray bottle.

3. Place a small amount of powdered rooting hormone on a piece of waxed paper, then dip the bottom inch of the stem in the powder. Although many plants will root without assistance, the rooting hormone will increase the chances.

4. Plant the stem in the potting soil. Be sure the leaves are above, and not touching, the soil.

5. Place a clear plastic bag over the planting container. Secure the bag with a rubber band.

6. Place the container in indirect sunlight. Avoid windowsills and other places where the plants may be exposed to direct sunlight, which can scorch the plant.

7. Check the container daily. Although the plastic will act as a miniature greenhouse and keep the soil damp for an extended time, the soil should be watered if it becomes dry. If condensation builds up inside the bag, poke a small hole to allow ventilation.

8. Remove the plastic bag when new growth appears, which indicates that the stem cutting has taken root.

Leaf Cuttings

1. Fill pot with commercial potting soil. Moisten the potting soil with a spray bottle.

2. Cut a leaf, along with a small portion of stem, from a healthy plant. Dip the end of the stem in powdered rooting hormone, then plant the stem in the potting soil.

3. Slide a clear plastic bag over the pot, then secure the bag with a rubber band. Place the pot in bright but indirect light.

4. Check the potting soil daily. Open the bag and mist inside if the soil becomes dry. Poke a hole in the bag if excess condensation causes water to drip down the inside of the bag.

5. Leave the plastic on the pot until you see new growth that indicates the leaf has rooted, which usually takes two to three weeks. New plants will eventually form at the base of the leaf.

References

• Texas A&M: Propagating Foliage and Flowering Plants
• University of Georgia: Propagating House Plants