How To Propagate House Plants Using Leaf Lamina Cutting

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Preparing the tray

Fill your container with a multi purpose compost, remember that house plants needn't have any hormone powder applied. Over fill the tray and tap it down to work the soil into the corners. Remove the excess by working your striking board over the surface in a scissor motion, making sure the soil sits slightly below the rim. Firm and flatten the compost using the firming board.

Step 3: Cutting

Ensure you choose large healthy leaves, that are pest and disease free, and true to type. Cut the stems right at their bases, being careful of new shoots. With leaf lamina cutting there are two separate techniques, the one you choose is merely a case of personal preference:

Technique 1 - Place the leaf face down and hold it flat. Cut carefully along the sides of the central vein leaving two leaf sections where the ends of the diagonal veins have been exposed.

Technique 2 - Cut the leaf into 3 or 4 chevron shapes by making triangular cuts out from the central vein.

In both cases, the central vein can be disposed of.

Step 4: Planting

If you have used technique 1, then scrape a long trench into the soil with a dibber, and insert the cut side of the leaf into the compost, then and firm in.

If you have used technique 2, then scrape a small trench the width of the leaf into the soil, and insert the pointed end of each section, planting each 2/3cms apart. Label the plants with the name and date for reference as they start to grow.

Water regularly and the exposed veins should take root in 3-4 weeks when kept between 18-21 C. You can then pot them on.