Growing a new plant, or even several plants, from a single leaf is easy
if you choose the right plants and follow a few simple guidelines.
Leaf cuttings are one of the most interesting ways of making more house
plants. Not all plants are suitable, but many popular ones are,
including African Violets and large-leaved rhizomatous Begonias. One
mature plant can provide as many new plants as you are likely to want,
but taking leaf cuttings is so enjoyable that you may want to grow some
extra for friends.
The basic idea is to cut a healthy newly mature leaf from a parent
plant, then partially insert it in compost. Supplied with moisture,
high humidity and a temperature of 16 - 21 degrees C (61-70 degrees F),
roots and new plants grow from the leaf base. As the plants grow, the
original leaf withers. Eventually, the young plants can be potted up
and treated as adults. The exact method varies, according to the type
of plant.
Equipment
An electric propagator is best, but you can use pots or trays placed
inside a polythene bag. Support the bag on canes or a wire frame, so
the polythene doesn't touch the leaf. Use cutting compost, or an equal
mixture, by volume, of peat and sharp sand. For detaching leaves, use a
sharp knife or razor blade. Hormone rooting powder is sometimes used to
speed up rooting.
Taking Begonia Leaf Cuttings
Cut off a newly mature leaf, with 2.5cm (1in) of stalk
attached. Turn the leaf upside down, then make several 10mm (half inch)
slits just below where the main veins branch.
Place the leaf right-way up, on damp cutting compost. Use
the stem as an anchor, and use pebbles to keep the leaf in contact with
the compost. New plants will grow form each slit.
Alternatively, cut the leaf into sections, roughly 2.5cm
(1in) across. Each section must have a large vein. Gently insert each
piece at an angle, so the vein touches the compost.
Preventing Rotting
With stemless succulent leaves, such as Crassula, Echeveria and Sedum,
rotting is the main risk. After cutting mature leaves from the parent
plant, leave them to dry a few days, then insert them shallowly and
vertically into the compost. Covering the compost with a thin layer of
sharp sand helps prevent rotting.
Care of Young Plants
These gradually take 1-2 months to appear. Gradually reduce the
temperature and humidity of those growing in a heated propagator. As
soon as the plants are large enough to handle, pot into 8cm (3in) pots
using the correct compost.
Cut-up Leaves
Long, narrow leaves, such as Glaxinia, Cape Primrose and
Mother-in-Law's Tongue, are usually cut cross ways into several
sections, about 5cm (2in) wide. Each separate piece can then be rooted
to form a new plant. Use a razor blade or scalpel to cut off a suitable
leaf and to make sharp, clean cuts across it. Insert each section,
right-way up and vertically, into the compost, burying it by about a
quarter to a half.
African Violet leaves will send out roots and new plants if their
stalks are placed in water. Stretch cling film over a water-filled jar,
keep it taut with an elastic band. Punch a couple of holes in the cling
film, then insert the stalks. Make sure the leaves themselves are kept
dry.
