Many indoor plants form offshoots or can be propagated by cuttings. For ambitious plant lovers, this is almost an invitation to increase their stock. In this article you will find out exactly how to proceed and what you have to pay attention to in order to be successful.

Propagation by division is particularly easy when the plant itself produces daughter plants

Reasons and advantages of propagation

There is much to be said for propagating your houseplants independently. Just because the procedure is very easy, if you know what is important, you will have a lot of fun rearing. In addition, you benefit from the following reasons:

  • Cost savings
  • new plant replaces the existing generation if your old specimen develops an unsightly growth with age
  • identical young plant to preserve cherished properties
  • Space saving when the mother plant gets too big

Various possibilities

Depending on the capacity and plant species, you have several methods to choose from for propagation.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagating a houseplant with cuttings is probably the simplest of the variants presented here. Here's how to do it:

  • the best time is in the spring when the plant sprouts
  • cut a long, healthy shoot from the mother plant
  • this must have at least one leaf
  • prepare optional seed pots (16.68€) with substrate…
  • … or place the cuttings in a glass of water
  • store the cuttings in a bright spot
  • avoid direct sunlight
  • cover the pot/jar with plastic wrap to increase humidity
  • once roots have formed, transplant or prick out the cuttings

propagation by division

If your mother plant takes on unexpected proportions, it is advisable to divide the root ball. It is best to take the measure if you are repotting the houseplant anyway. Divide the root ball into as many parts as you like with a sharp knife and plant them in individual pots. Brown or dry roots should be removed at the same time.

Propagation by seed

Many indoor plants release seeds after flowering, which you carefully remove from the dry inflorescences. Unfortunately, propagation by sowing does not always lead to success. In addition, the genetic properties of the plant can change, resulting in a new flower color, for example.

Note: When sowing, pay attention to whether the houseplant is a light or dark germinator.

Category:

Indoor plants