Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus australis), also known as Creeping Charlie, is an easy-to-grow houseplant that adds beauty and charm to any indoor space. Its glossy leaves and cascading vines make it a popular choice for hanging baskets, pots or even as ground cover in outdoor landscapes. One of the most exciting things about this plant is how simple it is to propagate from cuttings.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about propagating Swedish Ivy successfully. From selecting the right cutting to potting them up into new plants, we’ve got you covered!
What You Will Need
Before getting started with propagation, here are some essential supplies that you will need:
– A pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears
– Clean water
– Rooting hormone powder
Choosing Your Cuttings
The first step in propagating Swedish Ivy is choosing your cuttings. Look for healthy stems with several nodes along their length. Nodes are where small roots will develop when they’re placed in water or soil.
It’s important to choose cuttings without flowers because flowering stems may not root correctly since all of the plant’s energy goes towards creating blooms instead of growing roots.
Taking The Cuttings
Once you have selected your stem cuttings, use sterilized pruning shears or scissors to take 3-4 inches long pieces from the main stem directly below a node at an angle This helps prevent bacteria buildup on the fresh wound created by cutting through tissue.
Preparing The Stems For Propagation
Remove lower leaves from each piece; ensure only two-three sets remain near its top so it can continue photosynthesis while rooting starts building around its base using absorbed mineral nutrients.
Dipping In Hormone Powder
Next – Dip each cutting stem into rooting hormone powder just enough amount coated evenly onto its bottom end which provides necessary growth hormones like IAA(Indole Acetic Acid) and IBA(Indole Butyric Acid) that promote root initiation.
Potting The Cuttings
Place each cutting into a glass jar or vase filled with clean water up to the bottom of the node without submerging it. Ensure each piece is placed in indirect sunlight, and away from drafts for optimum growth. The reason for using clear jars allows you to see when roots start developing before transplanting them into soil.
It may take several weeks, but as time passes, you will start seeing new white roots sprouting from your cuttings’ base! When they grow enough around three inches long, it’s time to transfer your slightly fragile new plantlets into their own pot with well-draining soil mixed with perlite or sand added to increase air circulation through the soil so that no water accumulates near its rooted part which can lead to fungal infections or rotting issues.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, propagating Swedish Ivy is relatively easy once you get started! By following these simple steps and maintaining proper care tips such as keeping them in bright indirect light; regularly changing their water every few days; ensuring adequate nutrients availability via fertilizer feedings – You’ll have new plants readily waiting for you soon enough!
Remember always do not overwater newly potted cuttings instead mist occasionally if humidity levels drop significantly below 50% while they wait patiently for primary root establishment before transitioning towards regular watering schedules at about one inch of soil dryness depth per week depending on environmental conditions around each specific growing area. Happy growing everyone!
