The Australian lemon leaf is an unfamiliar plant for us. But it can be multiplied umpteen times at home in a well-known way. All it takes is a mother plant. Only the number of their shoots can set us a quantitative limit.
The Australian lemon leaf is very easy to propagate from cuttings
Propagation by cuttings
The Australian lemon leaf does not necessarily have to be bought in stores. Especially since this plant is still rarely found there. You can easily grow a new plant yourself. Of course, the prerequisites for this must be in place.
A cutting is required to propagate the Australian lemon leaf. Because in this country that is the way the plant can be propagated.
Shoot tips are optimal
Head cuttings work well. To do this, simply cut off the tip of one of the shoots. The head cutting should be at least 10 cm long.
Cutting off top cuttings does not harm the plant. On the contrary, it branches out all the more as a result. Cutting off the shoot tips is also common when the lemon-tasting leaves are used for cooking or tea.
The ideal time
Good results are achieved all year round by rooting the top cuttings. When you start propagation may therefore be decided by other factors. For example, when a cutting is available to you.
Free field or house?
The Australian lemon leaf is perennial but not hardy. It is therefore only allowed to spend the warm days of the year outside. During this time, the cuttings can also be propagated outside. The only important thing is to keep the cuttings away from direct sunlight.
tips
Simply stick cut shoots into the soil of other plants in winter. With their scent, they keep pests away and take root at the same time. In spring the young plants get their own pots.
root cuttings
In summer you can place the head cuttings in a glass of water, where they will root within a few days. Otherwise, the cutting is planted directly in a pot.
- remove bottom leaves
- plant in moist soil
- put in a bright, warm place
- avoid direct sun at the beginning
- keep only moderately moist
tips
Make sure the soil is not too wet. The Australian lemon leaf prefers dry soil. If the soil is too moist, the cutting will rot rather than root.