How to take leaf-stem and leaf-vein cuttings
An interesting and not-so-common method of propagation is by taking leaf cuttings, and using either a whole leaf or part of a leaf, and placing it into contact with a rooting medium.
This is a popular method for propagating indoor plants, particularly tropical specimens, or those that have thick and fleshy leaves, or stems that are not so apt for propagation through stem cuttings. Leaf cuttings are generally taken during the spring or early summer.
This is a popular method for propagating indoor plants, particularly tropical specimens, or those that have thick and fleshy leaves, or stems that are not so apt for propagation through stem cuttings. Leaf cuttings are generally taken during the spring or early summer.
Types of leaf cuttings
There are two main types of leaf cuttings, which are leaf-stem cuttings and leaf-vein cuttings. These two types of leaf cuttings require different techniques in order to propagate new plants.
Leaf-stem cuttings root from the base of the stem when inserted into a rooting medium and leaf-vein cuttings produce plantlets when the main vein of the leaf is cut.
Leaf-stem cuttings root from the base of the stem when inserted into a rooting medium and leaf-vein cuttings produce plantlets when the main vein of the leaf is cut.
Leaf-stem cuttings
Leaf-stem, leaf-stalk or a leaf-petiole cutting is a type of cutting where a whole leaf including approximately 3.5cm (1.5in) of the stalk is detached from the parent plant.
The leaf should be healthy and fully formed, yet not too young that it is soft or too tender, and not so old that it is hard. Dip the cut end of the leaf stem into a hormone rooting powder and then insert the leaf stem into a small pot filled with cuttings compost or similar, at a 45° angle, making sure that the base of the leaf just comes into contact with the compost.
New plants will form at the base of the leaf in about 8 weeks time. Firm the soil around the cuttings and cover the pots with a clear polythene bag that is secured at the bottom with an elastic band, ensuring that the plastic does not come into contact with the foliage. This is to create a warm and humid atmosphere, which will stimulate rooting and allow the new plants to form quicker.
Place the leaf-stem cuttings in a well-lit and warm spot on a windowsill out of direct sunlight, or alternatively keep the cuttings in a propagator or warm greenhouse. When the new plantlets have formed, remove the cover and carefully separate each new plant, transplanting into separate pots of their own.
Plants that propagate well through the leaf-stem method include the African violet, Echeveria, jade tree, peperomia, snake plant, rubber plant, gloxinia and philodendron.
The leaf should be healthy and fully formed, yet not too young that it is soft or too tender, and not so old that it is hard. Dip the cut end of the leaf stem into a hormone rooting powder and then insert the leaf stem into a small pot filled with cuttings compost or similar, at a 45° angle, making sure that the base of the leaf just comes into contact with the compost.
New plants will form at the base of the leaf in about 8 weeks time. Firm the soil around the cuttings and cover the pots with a clear polythene bag that is secured at the bottom with an elastic band, ensuring that the plastic does not come into contact with the foliage. This is to create a warm and humid atmosphere, which will stimulate rooting and allow the new plants to form quicker.
Place the leaf-stem cuttings in a well-lit and warm spot on a windowsill out of direct sunlight, or alternatively keep the cuttings in a propagator or warm greenhouse. When the new plantlets have formed, remove the cover and carefully separate each new plant, transplanting into separate pots of their own.
Plants that propagate well through the leaf-stem method include the African violet, Echeveria, jade tree, peperomia, snake plant, rubber plant, gloxinia and philodendron.
Leaf-vein cuttings
Leaf-vein cuttings are taken in a different manner than that described above. The leaf is removed from the parent plant and laid flat on a table or work surface.
Remove the stalk close to the base of the leaf and discard. Take the leaf and make little cuts, ensuring that you don't cut right through the leaf, across the main veins located on the underside of the leaf. Cut each vein several times down the length of it. Dust a little hormone rooting powder where the cuts have been made, which will encourage new root production at these points.
Prepare a pot of moist cuttings compost and pin or secure the leaf, cut side down, flat onto the surface of the compost. The leaf can be secured with bent bits of wire, toothpicks or pebbles. Ensure that the leaf stays in contact with the compost at all times. Place the pot into a propagator, warm greenhouse or cover with a clear plastic bag secured at the bottom, in order to create the best conditions for the cuttings to root and produce new plants in the quickest time possible.
New plants will develop where the veins have been cut, and when each new plant has two sets of leaves they can be separated and potted individually.
Plants that propagate well from this method include the Begonia rex.
A variation on this method is to remove a large, healthy leaf from the parent plant, lay it on a flat surface and cut it into squares measuring approximately 2.5cm (1 inch) in width. Each section must contain part of a main vein.
As above, pin or secure these sections onto the surface of the compost or insert the sections vertically into the cuttings compost, making sure that the main vein comes into contact with the compost and is partially covered. Water the cuttings, firm the soil around them; and then cover with a secured, clear plastic bag; place in a propagator or in a sunny and warm spot on a windowsill.
Plants that can be propagated in this manner are Eucomis, Steptocarpus and mother-in-law's tongue.
Remove the stalk close to the base of the leaf and discard. Take the leaf and make little cuts, ensuring that you don't cut right through the leaf, across the main veins located on the underside of the leaf. Cut each vein several times down the length of it. Dust a little hormone rooting powder where the cuts have been made, which will encourage new root production at these points.
Prepare a pot of moist cuttings compost and pin or secure the leaf, cut side down, flat onto the surface of the compost. The leaf can be secured with bent bits of wire, toothpicks or pebbles. Ensure that the leaf stays in contact with the compost at all times. Place the pot into a propagator, warm greenhouse or cover with a clear plastic bag secured at the bottom, in order to create the best conditions for the cuttings to root and produce new plants in the quickest time possible.
New plants will develop where the veins have been cut, and when each new plant has two sets of leaves they can be separated and potted individually.
Plants that propagate well from this method include the Begonia rex.
A variation on this method is to remove a large, healthy leaf from the parent plant, lay it on a flat surface and cut it into squares measuring approximately 2.5cm (1 inch) in width. Each section must contain part of a main vein.
As above, pin or secure these sections onto the surface of the compost or insert the sections vertically into the cuttings compost, making sure that the main vein comes into contact with the compost and is partially covered. Water the cuttings, firm the soil around them; and then cover with a secured, clear plastic bag; place in a propagator or in a sunny and warm spot on a windowsill.
Plants that can be propagated in this manner are Eucomis, Steptocarpus and mother-in-law's tongue.
Caring for leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings should be watered and aired about twice a week. Take care not to dry the cuttings out nor over-water them as this can cause rot. Remove any leaves that show signs of decay as soon as you spot them. Maintain a temperature of 20°C and ensure that the cuttings receive plenty of light but are not sat in direct sunlight.
