Sterilize your shears with rubbing alcohol. Let them dry before you cut! When selecting a node to cut, consider the appearance of your existing plant as well as the cutting. Make sure the plant will still have opportunities to reinvigorate its appearance after you make a cutting.
Select a container that supports your cutting enough that it does not slide into the water. [3] X Research source Remove stems, sheaths, and leaves that are close to the node before placing the cutting in water. To provide some additional support as the plant grows, dip about 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of the stem into powdered rooting hormone before placing the cutting into water. [4] X Research source
Ensure that the new water is room temperature or slightly warmer and cut away any parts of the plant that are starting to dissolve in the water. [6] X Research source
Water propagation is a fantastic choice for your first time because you will be able to witness the roots growing underwater!
Compose the mix of approximately ½ peat moss, ¼ perlite or vermiculite, and ¼ compost. [10] X Research source You can compost at home too, but be sure that the compost is finished before you use it in soil. To pot the plant, create a small hole in the soil, gently place your cutting into it, then readjust the soil to fill in the hole and support the stem. [11] X Research source If it struggles to stand on its own, use green garden tape to attach the plant to a small stake planted in the soil 1–2 inches (2. 5–5. 1 cm) from the stem. [12] X Research source You can create a makeshift stake with a piece of bamboo or an old chopstick. [13] X Research source
Sterilize your shears with rubbing alcohol, making sure they dry before use. When selecting a node to cut, try not to leave your existing prayer plant too bare, so look for a stem that is surrounded by other leafy stems or is growing out of the pot.
Create the mix with ½ peat moss, ¼ perlite or vermiculite, and ¼ compost. [20] X Research source You can compost at home too, but be sure to only use finished compost in soil. LECA (lightweight expanded clay aggregate) is also an alternative propagation medium to try. [21] X Research source
Be sure that the plant can stand upright. If it struggles to stand on its own, use green garden tape to attach the plant to a small stake planted in the soil 1–2 inches (2. 5–5. 1 cm) from the stem. [25] X Research source You can create a makeshift stake with a piece of bamboo or an old chopstick.
Sometimes, related plants not of the maranta genus are also called prayer plants. These include Calatheas, Stromanthes, and Ctenanthes. If you’re caring for one of these plants, propagate by root division. [32] X Research source
While dividing the plant, check the roots for issues such as fungus or root rot. Cut away any roots that feel slimy or saturated in moisture or appear dark-colored rather than yellow or white. [36] X Research source
Give your newly divided plants added support by placing them in a soil mixture of ½ peat moss, ¼ compost, and ¼ perlite or vermiculite. [39] X Research source You can compost at home too, but be sure that the compost is finished before using it in soil. Plants propagated by root division typically need less support than newly-planted cuttings, but give special attention to plants that need to be cut, as that causes stress. [40] X Research source
