Ogre ears, also known as Strobilanthes dyerianus or Persian shield, is a stunning plant with iridescent purple leaves that can add a pop of color to any garden. However, buying new plants every time can be expensive and impractical. This is where propagation comes in – the process of creating new plants from existing ones.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to propagate Ogre ears successfully using two methods: stem cuttings and division.
Propagating Using Stem Cuttings
Stem cutting is one of the most popular ways to propagate Ogre ears as it’s relatively easy and doesn’t require much effort. Here are the steps:
1. Choose a healthy mother plant – Ensure that your parent plant is healthy and flourishing before taking any cuttings. It should be free from pests and diseases.
2. Prepare tools – Get yourself sharp garden scissors or shears (preferably sterilized) for cutting out the stems.
3. Take stem cuttings – Select several branches from your parent plant (around 4-6 inches long), making sure they have at least three nodes each.
4.Remove lower leaves – Strip off all but two or three leaves on each cutting’s bottom half using a clean pair of scissors since they’ll rot with excess moisture if left on during rooting.
5.Apply rooting hormone(optional)- Dip the end of each cutting into rooting hormone powder to help stimulate root growth
6.Planting- Plant each cutting about 1 inch deep in moist potting soil mixed with perlite/vermiculite mix ensuring that you keep them evenly moist while waiting for roots to form
7.Wait patiently– Place your cuttings in bright indirect light indoors or under shade outdoors without direct sunlight exposure until they form roots which usually takes around 4 weeks depending upon temperature , humidity , etc… Once rooted check regularly for signs of new growth indicating successful propagation
Propagating by Division
Another method you can use to propagate your Ogre ears is by dividing them. This method is suitable when the parent plant has overgrown its pot or container, and you want to rejuvenate it.
Here are the steps:
1.Prepare tools– Get yourself a clean pair of scissors or shears for cutting out any dead stems.
2.Water Plant- Water the parent plant a day before dividing to keep soil moist and easier to work with.
3.Remove Parent Plant From Pot- Pull out the whole plant from its container gently while holding onto its base.
4.Dividing Root Ball- Use your fingers or gardening gloves carefully untangle root ball into smaller portions having at least few stems on each division .
5.Repot Divisions -Repot each division in a separate pot filled with well-draining soil mixed with perlite/vermiculite mix ensuring that they remain evenly moist during establishment period.
6.Light Exposure – Place newly potted divisions in bright indirect light indoors or under shade outdoors without direct sunlight exposure until new growth emerges indicating successful propagation
In conclusion, propagating Ogre ears is an excellent way to grow your garden without breaking the bank. The two methods discussed above, stem cuttings and division, are easy and effective ways of creating new plants from existing ones. With proper care and patience, you’ll have beautiful ogre ear plants filling up your garden in no time!
