Some plants can drastically improve the looks of your interiors. Polka dot is one of them. With its unique patterns and lush foliage, you can make them into a statement piece that will add some style to your home. And you know what the best part is? You can propagate polka dot plants by following a couple of steps.
If you want to learn how to create several plants from the “mother” polka dot (and keep them to decorate your house or give them away to your friends), keep reading! Here we collected all you need to know to propagate your polka dot plant successfully.
How To Propagate Polka Dot Plant
There are two main methods you can follow to propagate most plants. You can do so using water or directly planting your cuttings in a suitable potting mix. But which one should you choose?
The truth is that both are effective and simple (if you do them the right way). However, one might suit your needs and requirements better than the other. Read on to explore more about the two propagation methods for Polka Dot.
Water Propagation
If you don’t want to spend too much time on the process, you should choose water propagation. Indeed, it doesn’t require much attention from your side. All you need is a vase with fresh water and some healthy cuttings.
For those dealing with a leggy plant that needs pruning and shaping, this method will help. Indeed, it allows you to use some of the best-looking stems to make new plants. Remember to choose pieces with at least a couple of leaves on top of nodes. And if you want to maximize your chances, don’t forget to take more than one cutting.
Always use sterile scissors or shears to cut a piece of your plant off: doing so will avoid spreading diseases and infections, which may harm your plant and even kill it. Plus, remember to choose a suitable location where to grow your plants. Avoid exposing them to direct sun, which may scorch the leaves and boost algae growth.
Of course, you’ll need to arm yourself with patience! Don’t expect a fully formed plant in a couple of weeks. Indeed, you’ll need to wait at least one week before your cuttings start to root in water. You may speed up the process by dipping your stems in rooting hormones before placing them in your vase. Also, change the water at least once a week to keep your seedlings healthy.
After you notice roots coming out of your seedlings, it is time to transplant them to the soil!
Soil Propagation
Some people prefer starting with soil propagation. After all, it allows you to skip the transplanting step. You’ll need to grab a couple of healthy stems and place them in suitable pots. Choosing the right potting mix is crucial to your success. It must be well-draining, fertile, and airy to allow your seedlings to grow without issues.
If you don’t know where to start, consider getting a cactus mix or a general houseplant soil. Of course, you can also do one yourself by mixing peat moss, perlite, orchid barks, and whatever other substrate you may have on hand. The key is to ensure the soil drains well to prevent water build-up and avoid rotting, which can kill your houseplant.
To encourage growth, keep your seedlings moist but not soggy. Feel the substrate with your fingers before adding extra moisture. The problem with soil propagation is that it is more challenging to know whether your cuttings have developed roots or not. You will have to wait a couple of weeks to test it out. If you feel any resistance from a slight pull, it is a good sign: the roots are keeping your plant in place!
What Else Should You Know About Polka Dot?
Once you can make your cuttings root (whether in soil or water), you need to take care of your plants to ensure they keep growing. While polka dot isn’t particularly challenging to grow, you must take some steps to have them thrive.
To begin with, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, which will harm their breathtaking leaf coloration. Also, these plants need warmth to survive. Ensure your room stays at about 60-70°F to prevent it from dying from the cold. Some humidity (especially if you live in a dry place) will help too.
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