The Dieffenbachia is one of the most uncomplicated indoor plants, which generously forgives occasional care mistakes. The propagation of cuttings by offshoots is very easy with this leafy plant and even people without the proverbial green thumb can do it without any problems.

Spring and summer are the best times of year to take Dieffenbachia cuttings

The right time

In principle, you can take cuttings all year round. However, these form roots faster when the Dieffenbachia is in the growth phase. So preferably cut seedlings in spring or summer.

Cutting offshoots

There are two types of offshoots that root well on the Dieffenbachia. These are:

  • Head cuttings: Use a sharp knife to cut off the tip of a shoot, which is about four to six inches long.
  • Shoot cuttings: The Dieffenbachia forms small side shoots (Kindel), which can be maintained separately from the mother plant.

Rooting in the water glass

Place the cuttings in a small vase filled with about 1.5 to 2 centimeters of water. The liquid must not cover the eyes, recognizable by the slight thickening of the trunk, because this is where the plant is supposed to put out leaves later.

Put a transparent bag over the jar and place it in a bright, shady spot. Ventilate daily and top up with water if necessary.

Insertion in soil

Within a few weeks, roots about ten centimeters long have formed in the offshoots. Now place the offspring in soil and continue to care for the small Dieffenbachia like the mother plant.

Set offshoots directly in the substrate

This method also works well:

  • Fill small pots with special growing or potting soil.
  • Moisten the substrate well and insert offshoots.
  • Here, too, care must be taken that at least one eye is not covered with earth.
  • Cover with a translucent plastic bag.
  • Air daily to prevent mold growth.
  • Keep evenly moist, but do not overwet, otherwise there is a risk of rot.

When the first new leaf emerges, you know that your efforts have been crowned with success. Now you can remove the bag and continue caring for the little plants as usual.

tips

If the freshly cut cuttings have a lot of leaf mass, it is advisable to separate the lower leaves. As a result, the offshoot does not have to absorb as much water and takes root much faster.

Category:

Indoor plants