The mammoth leaf is a quite impressive leaf perennial, so the idea of propagating this plant can arise. It's not easy, but it's definitely doable. Sowing is not always successful and takes a lot of time.
The mammoth leaf can be propagated by seeds or division
The Sowing
In autumn, small fruits form on the seed pods of the mammoth leaf, in which the sensitive seeds ripen. Freed from the pulp, they should be sown immediately. Thinly covered with substrate and kept evenly moist, the seeds should germinate after a few days.
The optimal germination temperature is between 15 °C and 20 °C. Make sure that the humidity is constant. The best way to achieve this is to cover the culture vessel with glass or transparent foil. Daily airing prevents the formation of mold. Older, already dry seeds germinate poorly or not at all.
Where can I get the seeds from?
If you don't have a mammoth leaf yet and therefore don't have your own seeds, then maybe ask gardeners or your neighborhood. You should also sow these freshly. Alternatively, you can also find seeds online.
Split the mammoth leaf
Division is much more promising than sowing. This should be done in the spring when the first leaves are visible. Separate a shoot with a clearly visible leaf base, possibly several if the plant is very large. Do not dig up the old plant completely, it is better to only expose part of the root ball.
The offshoots are best grown in a pot that you fill with pond soil or moist garden soil. Like the mother plant, the young plants will grow quite quickly. They can be planted out after three to four weeks. In a harsh area, however, frost-free wintering is recommended.
The essentials in brief:
- Sowing possible, but not always successful
- only use fresh seeds
- Division relatively easy to carry out
- ideal time for dividing: at the beginning of budding in spring
- Separate the shoots with the base of the leaves
- Advancing the shoots in the pot is recommended
- may not plant until next spring
tips
Propagation by division is much more promising and easier than sowing.