DIY & Home

How To Propagate House Plants Using Leaf Petiole Cutting

Propagation is a great way to get the most out of your house plants, by providing new plants for future use. Here we demonstrate leaf petiole cutting, for use on the likes of Pepperomia and African Violets. Enlarge

How To Propagate House Plants Using Leaf Petiole Cutting

Propagation is a great way to get the most out of your house plants, by providing new plants for future use. Here we demonstrate leaf petiole cutting, for use on the likes of Pepperomia and African Violets.

Step 1: You will need

  • 1 Planting tray
  • Compost
  • 1 Striking board
  • 1 Firming board
  • 1 Scalpel
  • 1 Ceramic tile
  • Plant labels and pen
  • 1 Dibber

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

Choose the healthiest leaves from your plant. Avoid anything old, weak, or yellow. Cut each leaf right at the base with a sharp scalpel, ensuring a clean cut so that new shoots can take over. Cut the stem so that it fits the depth of the container (probably about 3.5cms of new growth).

Step 4: Planting

Make a hole in the soil with the thin end of a dibber, and insert the stem, firming the soil in around it. Repeat, placing the cuttings about 2cms apart. Then, label the plants with the name and date.

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