As might be expected, most plants suited to this method of propagation have comparatively soft and fleshy leaves. There are two types of leaf cuttings : those that make use of leaf and stem and those requiring the leaf alone. An example of the first is the dainty African violet and of the second, the gorgeous Begonia Rex.
Many of our house plants are not suited to this means of propagation simply because of their growing habit or because it is a difficult and untidy matter to clutter up the house with extra pots of soil. But some, such as ivies and other vines, are not only well suited to this method or propagation but seem actively to seek it by putting out little root hairs into the air, almost looking for moist soil in which to bury themselves. Three of my Rhoicissus have been grown this way, one is in a willow pattern pitcher, one in a china wash basin and the third in a two-gallon pickle jar!
A considerably more artificial derivation of the layering process is known as air layering. It is particularly useful for the following reason. Many plants such as the rubber plant gradually lose their lower leaves so we are left with a long, naked stem with a tuft of foliage at the top. This is both hideous and a demonstration of our inability to grow the plant properly. If we can take the tuft at the top and make a new plant from it, then we can begin again.
Runners are comparatively few house plants which produce runners and are suited to this method of propagation. We all know that a strawberry plant produces young plants on long runners and these young plants are first rooted into the soil and then the runner or stolon is cut to separate the young plant from its parent.
Exactly the same process can be used with the pretty little Saxifraga Stolonifera, which sends out long, hairlike growths each bearing a tiny baby plant at its end. This is allowed to rest in a pot of soil and when this is growing away well the umbilical cord, so to speak, is severed.
The new plant (for that is what it is) can then be cut away from the naked stem below and potted up in the usual manner.
Many of our house plants are not suited to this means of propagation simply because of their growing habit or because it is a difficult and untidy matter to clutter up the house with extra pots of soil. But some, such as ivies and other vines, are not only well suited to this method or propagation but seem actively to seek it by putting out little root hairs into the air, almost looking for moist soil in which to bury themselves. Three of my Rhoicissus have been grown this way, one is in a willow pattern pitcher, one in a china wash basin and the third in a two-gallon pickle jar!
A considerably more artificial derivation of the layering process is known as air layering. It is particularly useful for the following reason. Many plants such as the rubber plant gradually lose their lower leaves so we are left with a long, naked stem with a tuft of foliage at the top. This is both hideous and a demonstration of our inability to grow the plant properly. If we can take the tuft at the top and make a new plant from it, then we can begin again.
Runners are comparatively few house plants which produce runners and are suited to this method of propagation. We all know that a strawberry plant produces young plants on long runners and these young plants are first rooted into the soil and then the runner or stolon is cut to separate the young plant from its parent.
Exactly the same process can be used with the pretty little Saxifraga Stolonifera, which sends out long, hairlike growths each bearing a tiny baby plant at its end. This is allowed to rest in a pot of soil and when this is growing away well the umbilical cord, so to speak, is severed.
The new plant (for that is what it is) can then be cut away from the naked stem below and potted up in the usual manner.
About the Author:
Dizygotheca Elegantissima is a truly elegant indoor gardening houseplant, slender, toothed leaves growing off the main stems.
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