Maegan-Leigh JacobsThe prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a beloved choice among indoor gardeners for its striking striped leaves and undemanding care requirements.
Not only does it add a touch of tropical elegance to any space, but it’s also a breeze to propagate. Here are three simple methods to expand your prayer plant collection and share the joy of this popular houseplant with friends and family.
Root Division
Begin by gently removing the plant from its pot, shaking off excess soil to reveal the main plant and its offshoots.
Using a clean, sharp knife, detach each offshoot from the main plant, ensuring that each section has its own roots and stems.
Repot the divided sections into well-draining potting mix soil, and water them thoroughly.
Place the newly independent plants in bright, indirect sunlight to help them acclimate to their new environment.
2. Water Propagation
Cut a stem approximately one inch below a node, which is where new leaf growth originates, using sharp and clean garden shears.
Dip the bottom inch of the cutting into rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Place the cutting in a glass container filled with room temperature water, ensuring that the leaves remain above the water line.
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Cover the container with clear plastic and position it in bright, indirect light to create a humid environment conducive to root development. Change the water weekly.
Within three to four weeks, roots should develop to about one to two inches in length, indicating readiness for potting in a well-draining mixture.
3. Soil Propagation
Cut a stem about one inch below a node using clean garden shears, and dip the bottom inch into rooting hormone.
Fill a pot with a nutrient-rich potting soil mixture, ensuring it contains components like peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, and compost.
Plant the cutting in the soil, making sure it can stand on its own.
Cover the pot with clear plastic wrap and place it in bright, indirect light to create a humid environment similiar to the plant’s natural habitat.
Fertilise the cutting every two weeks and maintain soil moisture to encourage robust growth.
With these straightforward propagation techniques, you can easily expand your prayer plant collection and enjoy the beauty of this tropical gem throughout your home.
ALSO SEE: 2 ways to properly propagate from cuttings
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