Introduction
Calathea plants are beautiful. The flowers of these plants look like insects. They are very exotic in appearance and make a great addition to any home or office. These plants are relatively easy to propagate.
Keeping houseplants and propagating plants are two things that are becoming increasingly popular in recent times. This is because they help us keep our homes and offices looking clean and green. Houseplants also help purify the air that we breathe in our homes.
There is a variety of houseplants available in the market these days. One of the most popular ones is the Calathea plant or money plant.
Calathea is a tropical plant that many gardeners love. This plant is a trendy indoor plant used in homes and offices. It is also used as a decorative plant in gardens. This plant is not hard to grow and propagate, and the seeds do not require any special treatment. Here we look at the different propagation methods that you can use to propagate your Calathea.
Necessities:
Sharp knife
Plant pot with drainage holes
Soil
Make Divisions
One of the best ways to propagate Calathea plants is through division. But Division is not an easy job as the leaves of Calathea plants are very delicate.
The division or splitting of a plant is a traditional method to propagate a plant. However, Calathea plant is a tender plant. The leaves of the Calathea plant are also delicate. So, avoid overwatering and other unfavourable conditions (such as extreme heat, dryness, and over-illumination ) that may cause a Calathea plant to abort.
Make Clumps
When propagating Calathea plants, you will need to carefully divide a plant or its clump. A plant in the cluster has roots at the base of its leaves. So, first, you have to check if a Calathea plant has roots at the bottom of its leaves. If not, then you have to start one with a seed.
Take a sharp knife and divide a clump into 3 or 4 portions. Now, take the small chunks and divide them into 2 pieces. This way, you can increase the number of Calathea plants you have.
Stem Cutting from an existing plant
Calathea plants are known for their beautiful leaves and intricate patterns in the wild. They’re also relatively easy to grow and thrive in humid areas and tend to be a favourite indoors and outdoors.
It’s essential to take a stem cutting from an existing plant because you need it to be in the vegetative stages of its life. In this stage, the plant will grow a new set of leaves. It’s also essential to use a sharp and sterile knife to make sure you get a clean cut so the plant can develop properly.
Look out for the grown roots.
After the roots have grown a bit and the plant has enough strength to stay upright, you can decide to transplant it into a bigger pot. It’s also an excellent time to make sure it has proper drainage if you’ve been watering in the same pot. Soil is best for calathea plants.
It’s full of nutrients that the leaves will use to grow and stay healthy. Plants also need a source of light and water. Having a calathea plant in your home will bring entertainment and a touch of nature to your life.
Wait for the Stem to dry.
Some plants are difficult to care for, especially if you’re unfamiliar with them. Although many plants are hard to kill, one of them is the calathea plant. Calathea plants are beautiful but not easy to care for.
There are a few essential things to remember when caring for a calathea plant. First, it’s necessary to keep the leaves clean by using a soft cloth and wiping dust off them. Also, make sure to water the plant regularly.
Calathea plants do not like frequent waterings, so keep that in mind! Lastly, a great tip for growing your calathea plant is to wait for the stems to dry before cutting them. This is easier than trying to cut a wet stem.
Plant size
There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on the size of the pot you are using for propagation and the size of the calathea plant itself.
Generally speaking, you should make sure that the pot you are using is big enough to accommodate the roots of the calathea plant and that there is enough space around the plant to allow for new growth. If you are unsure, it is always better to err on the side of caution and choose a slightly bigger pot.
Varieties easy to propagate
Some Calathea varieties are more accessible to propagate than others. The most common and easiest to propagate variety is the Calathea zebrina. Other relatively easy types to propagate include the Calathea ornata and the Calathea makoyana.
It depends on the plant and the conditions it is growing. Some plants may produce more offsets or runners, making them easier to propagate. Others may be more difficult to propagate due to their slower growth habit.
Ultimately, it is up to the gardener to decide which variety they want to propagate and experiment to see what works best for them.
Effect on Calathea’s Health on Propagation
There has been much misinformation about whether or not calathea needs to be healthy to propagate. One common misconception is that they cannot bear if they are in a less than ideal state of health. It’s quite the opposite!
Healthy calathea can propagate even better than a weak or unhealthy plant. It’s true that when a plant is in a weakened state, it is more likely to succumb to pests or disease, but that doesn’t mean you need to worry about it.
The best way to propagate calathea is to remove a leaf from the plant and place it on a moist surface. Then, keep the loaf moist and in a warm area and wait for it to grow roots and a new plant.
Conclusion
The Calathea is an excellent houseplant, a tropical plant that can be enjoyed year-round. Calathea Plant propagation is a very easy, straightforward and rewarding process. With the proper knowledge, you can grow a stunning variety of Calathea in your home or office.
