What is a Starfish Plant?
The starfish plant, also known as a spiderwort or Tradescantia fluminensis, is an easy-to-grow perennial native to tropical and subtropical climates in South America. It has long, upright stems that are covered with wiry hairs and small lanceolate green leaves. The starfish plant produces bright blue flowers from early summer through early fall. These blooms attract bees and butterflies which help pollinate the flowers of other plants in the garden.
Propagating Starfish Plants
There are two ways to propagate starfish plants: division and cuttings. Division is the simplest method for propagating this perennial because it doesn’t involve any specialized tools or techniques to perform successfully. Cuttings will require more attention but can be done by an experienced gardener just as successfully as division if they know what they’re doing.
Division Method
Division involves digging up the entire clump of starfish plants, then separating each root ball into individual sections with sharp pruning shears or a knife (be sure to wear protective gloves during this process). When replanting your divisions make sure that each clump is buried at least 2 inches deep in soil amended with plenty of compost; this will give them enough space to establish healthy roots without overcrowding one another. Water deeply after planting so that all new roots have access to adequate moisture levels throughout their first season of growth before experiencing drought stress during hot weather conditions later on down the line
To encourage healthier new growth you can fertilize every four weeks until buds begin forming on stems; once flowering begins reduce fertilizer application frequency back down again as too much nitrogen can result in fewer blooms overall from your propagated divisions compared their mother plant!
Cuttings Method
For those who prefer taking cuttings rather than dividing like described above, here’s what you need to do: Take several 6 inch stem tips with leaves still attached from mature specimens and place them into pots filled halfway with quality potting soil amended generously composted material (pH should be around 5-6) – press lightly on top but don’t cover completely over stem tip nodes where foliage meets stem! Place containers indoors under indirect sunlight or fluorescent grow lights spaced 12 inches away from bulbs source at all times while cutting develops its own root system — water sparingly only when dryness appears near surface layer (about 1x week). After 3-4 weeks wait until there’s visible evidence of secondary roots emerging outwards along bottom side perimeter before transferring rooted cuttings outdoors permanently! Remember though – newly planted cuttings may require extra attention such watering more often especially during warmer months when temperatures rise above 90°F/32°C regularly; regular fertilizer applications every 4 weeks will also help promote vigorous new growth over time too!
