Even growing oleanders from cuttings or offshoots is not that difficult - the evergreen plant is quite easy to root. You don't even need to cut suitable shoots, but can instead use clippings from the annual pruning anyway.

Oleander cuttings can be rooted in water

Select and cut suitable cuttings

In principle, all parts of the oleander plant can be rooted, from the delicate head cuttings to the already lignified shoots. If you want to be on the safe side, however, it is best to choose the tips of young shoots, which you can separate from the mother plant with a sharp and clean knife. Be careful not to squeeze the interface. At best, you should also keep the cut at a slight angle, as this will make it easier for the plant to absorb water. Finally, remove all but the top pair of leaves. If this is also very large, you can halve the individual sheets.

Root oleander offshoots in a glass of water

Since oleander offshoots need a lot of water to root, it makes sense to place the offshoots in a glass of water. This measure is not absolutely necessary - you can also put the shoots in potting soil - but it promises a higher success rate. Change the water daily, as the escaping plant sap prevents rooting. The jar with the cuttings should be in a warm and bright (but not full sun!) location, for example on a window sill. The roots form within about four weeks.

Plant rooted cuttings

As soon as the fine roots are about one to two centimeters long, you can plant the young plants in potting soil. However, if you dip them in a growth hormone powder beforehand, this will make it easier to grow. Water the tender plants regularly and vigorously, and ensure high humidity. For this purpose, put a disposable glass or a cut-off PET bottle over the cutting. Don't forget to air it daily.

Caring for young oleanders properly

Now let the young oleander develop vigorously. It can take several more weeks until several new shoots have formed and grown vigorously. As soon as the plant is strong enough, it can be repotted into normal potting soil. Provide plenty of water and sufficient light, whereby you can best place the young plant in a sheltered location outdoors, weather permitting. Be careful not to expose them to direct sunlight just yet - otherwise burns will quickly occur. You don't need to fertilize the freshly planted oleander yet. Overwinter the cuttings cool, but frost-free and as bright as possible. Water them only to the extent that the root ball does not dry out. In early spring, slowly acclimate the young plant to a sheltered spot outdoors and also start fertilizing. With a little luck, it will flower this season.

tips

Always wear gloves when cutting oleander! The escaping plant sap is poisonous and can cause skin irritation.

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Trees