How to propagate the leaves of Kalanchoe
Today, I will introduce to you how to propagate the leaves of Kalanchoe and some green plant maintenance tips on the fastest method for rooting Kalanchoe cuttings. Let's dive into the details.
Kalanchoe is a flower that many gardening enthusiasts love to cultivate. It is not only easy to care for but also produces beautiful blooms and has an extended blooming period. Keeping several pots at home can result in a sea of flowers in spring.
Because Kalanchoe is beautiful and easy to grow, gardeners often propagate it in large quantities every year, trying to multiply as many small Kalanchoe seedlings as possible. Normally, when propagating Kalanchoe, we use branches for cuttings, using the branches pruned each time. Just like succulents, Kalanchoe can also be propagated through leaves. Next time you prune, don't throw away the leaves; you can propagate them this way.
Select healthy and plump leaves for propagation
Although Kalanchoe can be propagated through leaves, it is not as easy to propagate as succulents. The leaves of most succulents, when placed in moist potting soil, can quickly develop aerial roots and then grow new seedlings.
However, many gardeners find that when using Kalanchoe leaves for propagation, the leaves turn black and rot before they root and grow new plants. Therefore, when selecting Kalanchoe leaves, it is best to choose those that are healthy and plump, as they are more likely to root and grow new seedlings.
The petiole must be intact
Many gardeners have tried propagating Kalanchoe using leaves, only to find them rotting without growing new seedlings. This is usually because the leaves were not removed intact.
When picking Kalanchoe leaves, gently pull them down from the petiole without using scissors. If the growing point is cut off, the cutting will not root properly. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the petiole is intact to allow it to grow aerial roots from the growing point.
How to propagate the leaves of Kalanchoe
The propagation medium should be loose and breathable
Propagating Kalanchoe from branches is very easy. Even a thin branch can quickly root and survive when planted in moist potting soil. However, leaf propagation requires a high-quality medium.
Many gardeners use ordinary garden soil, and when leaves are propagated in such sticky soil, poor aeration can lead to quick rotting of the leaves. Therefore, when propagating Kalanchoe from leaves, try to find some loose and breathable materials. You can mix vermiculite, perlite, coconut coir, or use clean river sand directly.
Propagation method
There are two methods for propagating Kalanchoe leaves: inserting the leaf petiole into the medium and placing the leaves flat on the surface of the medium. Both methods are very simple and have similar survival rates.
1. Generally, when gardeners propagate Kalanchoe leaves, they use the method of inserting the petiole directly into the soil. Many gardeners say this method does not produce new seedlings, but it does work. However, inserting the leaf too deep into the soil can indeed affect the growth of new seedlings. When using this method, do not insert the leaf too deep into the soil; just insert the petiole part, or it may affect the survival rate.