Can the leaves of Kalanchoe be propagated?
As a star variety in the succulent world, Kalanchoe is deeply loved for its thick, glossy leaves and colorful flowers. Whenever seeing the leaves fallen from the base of old stems, many plant enthusiasts wonder: can these leaves be revitalized? Mastering the correct method, propagating new plants from leaves is simpler than imagined.
Feasibility Analysis of Leaf Propagation for Kalanchoe
This succulent plant, belonging to the Crassulaceae family and Bryophyllum genus, naturally possesses strong regenerative abilities. The base of the leaves hides dormant buds that can sprout new plants when the environment is suitable. Compared to stem cutting, leaf propagation can effectively utilize pruning waste and increase the number of plants from one pot to multiple.
Detailed Explanation of the Four-Step Leaf Propagation Method
Selecting Healthy Mother Leaves
Choose thick and intact leaves from the middle and lower layers, and cut the petiole with a sterilized blade. Leaves with mechanical damage or disease spots should be discarded to avoid infection and affect the success rate.
Preparing a Breathable Matrix
Prepare the cutting soil according to the ratio of vermiculite to coarse sand (3:1), with a 3cm layer of陶粒 (ceramsite) at the bottom to enhance drainage. The matrix should be exposed to sunlight or disinfected with carbendazim in advance.
Scientific Placement Techniques
Insert the leaves diagonally or place them flat on the surface of the matrix, with the petiole end lightly pressed into the soil. Maintaining an environmental temperature of 20-25°C with scattered light is more conducive to root growth.
Key Points for Rooting Period Care
Initially, use spray irrigation to maintain moisture, and once white roots appear, water along the edge of the pot. After two months, when the new buds grow to 3cm, transplant them.
Key Care After Leaf Propagation
After successful rooting, gradually increase the light exposure and use a diluted nutrient solution (2000 times) for monthly top dressing. When the new plants show signs of leggy growth, pinching the top can promote branching.
Leaf propagation not only inherits the characteristics of the mother plant but also allows you to observe the amazing process of new buds sprouting. Now collect those seemingly useless leaves and start your succulent propagation experiment!