Propagation Techniques Other Than Cutting
Using Division, Offsets, Bulb division, Tubers and Plantlets
Dec 10, 2008
Knowing what method of propagation to use depends on what type of plant you already have or want a specimen from.It also depends on your personal preference. Never take a specimen from someone else's plant without permision.
Division
Some plants whose stems grow in tight clumps are easiest to propagate by division. Such plants include the cast iron plant, ferns, some begonias some types of cluster-forming succulents and African; basically any plant that has multiple stems emerging from its base.
- Remove the plant from its container and divide the rootball with a sharp knife or a spade. Each division should include part of the main root and stem system.
- Plant the division immediately in potting soil and water it thoroughly.
- Keep the pot in bright light but out of direct sunlight and water it frequently until it roots.
Offsets
Offsets are new plants that form at the base of existing plants and can be broken off and replanted. Many succulents and bromeliads produce such growths on the main stem. These growths can be cut off close to the main stem and planted in the appropriate rooting media. Most succulents and bromeliads should be planted in a small pot containing pieces of fir bark. As long as the pot is provided with the proper temperature and light conditions the new roots should grow quickly.
Bulbs
Many plants that produce bulbs can be divided, such as tulips and narcissus. After the bulbous plant has flowered the foliage continues to grow to produce food that is stored in the bulb and bulblets for the next season. When the plants enter their dormant stage the foliage will begin to turn yellow and die. Stop watering the plant at this time until the foliage has died back. Now you can remove the plant from the container and divide the bulb or remove any bulblets that have formed. It may take several years for a plant started from a bulblet to produce flowers.
Tubers
Some houseplants have a thickened stem or root that stores food, from which leaves and flowers grow. These plants include corms, rhizomes and tubers. It is important to propagate these plants at the right time, especially if they have a dormant period. Large plants such as gloxinia, tuberous begonia and caladium are easiest to propagate by tuber division.
- In the spring the eyes will swell and become clearly visible.
- Cut the tuber into pieces making sure each piece has a bud.
- Dust the cut surface with a fungicide and plant it just under the surface of a moist rooting medium.
- Check the piece often for rot.
Plantlets
Many houseplants reproduce by sending out runners or shoots. Plants such as the spider plant, rosary vine and flame vine do this along with some types of African violet. These plantlets can be rooted before they are removed from the parent plant.
- Fill a small pot with moist rooting media.
- Lay the plantlet on top of the soil in the new pot and hold it in place with wire or a hairpin.
- When active new growth is evident the plantlet may cut from the parent plant.
If the runners are cut before rooting place them in the rooting media and cover with a plastic cup or bag until new roots form.
