The indoor plant market has faced two significant challenges: rising inflation and a surge in popularity during the pandemic. As a result, the price of small plants, which used to cost around $4.00, has now doubled. This situation presents a great opportunity to learn how to propagate your own plants at home.
What is Propagation?
Propagation is the process of growing new plants from cuttings, as opposed to germination, which involves starting plants from seeds. Propagation is generally quicker since the cutting only needs to develop roots rather than sprout an entire plant. Germination can be complicated, as different seeds require specific light, temperature, and moisture conditions. By propagating, you utilize a healthy, existing plant, making it easier to succeed.
While many people have tried simply placing a cutting in water, effective propagation can take several weeks. Here are some tips to enhance the growth of your propagated plants.
Create a Moisture-Rich Environment
To maintain humidity and warmth, consider using a greenhouse. You don’t need a large structure; smaller greenhouses are available for home use. Options include:
Ikea Åkerbär: $22.99
Tall Plant Greenhouse Terrarium: $33.74
Large Tall Plant Terrarium Glass: $45.74
Ensure Sufficient Light
Different indoor plants have varying light needs. Most homes do not provide enough natural light, especially during fall and winter. Grow lights can help keep both the roots and foliage healthy during propagation. Here are some affordable grow light options:
Adjustable Gooseneck Grow Lights: $14.97
Small Plant Light: $8.49
Gooseneck Halo Ring Plant Lamp: $26.99
Use Rooting Hormones
Plants produce hormones that are crucial for their growth. For cuttings, use rooting hormone powder or gel, which is inexpensive and easy to apply. While you can propagate in water, rooting hormone is more effective in soil. If you prefer water propagation, consider using a pothos cutting, which contains hormones that stimulate root growth in other plants. Simply place the pothos cutting in the same water as your new cutting to observe root development.
Rooting Gel: $21.55
Hormex Rooting Powder: $17.89
By following these steps, you can successfully propagate your indoor plants, saving money and expanding your collection.