Choose the Right Time for Propagation
The best time to propagate chlorophytum is during the peak growing season in spring and summer when the plant is actively producing new growth. During this time, chlorophytum propagation success rates are the highest since the plant is focusing its energy on new shoot and root development. The warm, humid weather also creates an ideal environment for root initiation.
The spring and summer seasons typically last from April through August in the Northern Hemisphere. New leafy shoots will emerge from the plant during this time, indicating it is primed for propagation. It is best to take stem cuttings that include these new shoots, as they will have the highest chance of rooting successfully.
In contrast, chlorophytum propagation during the fall and winter months often results in lower success rates. As daylight hours decrease, the plant begins to enter a dormant state and directs less energy towards growth. Colder temperatures also slow down the rooting process, and the cuttings are more prone to rotting before they have a chance to root. While propagation is still possible during the off-season, more care and attention are needed. Extra steps may need to be taken, such as the use of a propagator to provide warmth and humidity.
Take Healthy Cuttings for Better Results
To propagate chlorophytum successfully, it is important to select healthy stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature, outer stems of the plant that show active new growth. Look for stems that are green, firm, and plump. Avoid any stems that show signs of disease, damage or stress.
Ideal cutting specifications:
Cutting length: 3 to 6 inches long. Longer cuttings, around 6 inches, tend to root more easily.
Number of leaves: Choose cuttings with 2-3 healthy leaves. Remove any leaves along the bottom 1/3 of the cutting.
Cutting diameter: Look for cuttings 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter. Moderately thick stems root more readily than very thin or very thick stems.
Axillary buds: Ensure the cutting has at least one axillary bud, located in the leaf axil. Axillary buds contain meristem tissue which will generate new root and shoot growth.
To take cuttings:
Make cuts just below an axillary bud, using sharp, sterilized pruning shears. Remove any leaves along the bottom third of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional). Insert the cutting into well-draining rooting medium such as perlite, vermiculite, or a mixture of peat and perlite. Place the cutting in a warm area with indirect light.
Change out at least half of the rooting medium every 3-5 days and mist with a spray bottle to keep humidity high around the leaves. Roots will form in 1-3 weeks. Gently tug on the cutting to check for resistance, indicating roots have formed. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, the cutting can be transplanted into potting mix.
| Rooting Medium | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Perlite | Provides good aeration and drainage, holds moisture. Sterile. |
| Vermiculite | Retains moisture well, provides aeration. Sterile. |
| Peat moss | Holds moisture and provides organic nutrients. Low pH. |
A well-controlled rooting environment with the proper temperature, humidity, and medium is key to the success of chlorophytum propagation from cuttings. Providing the optimal conditions will result in healthy, vibrant new plants.
Rooting Chlorophytum Cuttings in Water
Water propagation is a simple method for rooting chlorophytum cuttings. To propagate in water, fill a glass container with room temperature, filtered water. Change the water every 3 to 5 days. Place the container in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
Prepare 3 to 6 inch stem cuttings as described previously. Make cuts just below an axillary bud and remove lower leaves. Dip cut end in rooting hormone (optional). Change the water every few days and mist leaves to increase humidity. Roots will form in 1 to 3 weeks.
Water conditions: Use filtered or distilled water and change it frequently, at least every 3 days. Stagnant, dirty water will rot the cuttings before they have a chance to root. The water pH should be slightly acidic, between 6 and 6.5.
Expected rooting time: Under the right conditions, chlorophytum cuttings will produce roots in 7 to 21 days when propagated in water. Check for root growth once a week by gently tugging on the stem. Roots should be 1 to 2 inches long before transplanting to soil.
Signs of successful rooting: Look for new root growth emerging from the stem base and axillary buds. Healthy, actively growing roots will appear white or pale in color. Buds at the shoot nodes may open and begin to produce new leaves.
When to transplant into soil: Once the cutting has developed healthy, actively growing roots 1 to 2 inches long, it can be transplanted into well-draining potting mix. Prepare a small pot with drainage holes and an excessively drained potting mix, such as those containing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Bury at least one axillary bud and the base of the stem, leaving the top two leaves exposed. Place in a warm spot with indirect light and high humidity. Keep the potting medium moist but not soggy.
Roots will continue growing into the new potting medium over 2-4 weeks. Increase exposure to ambient outdoor light and humidity levels once new leaves begin emerging. Fertilize the plant every other month and move to a larger pot annually after the plant becomes pot bound. A healthy, mature chlorophytum plant can live for 15-40 years!
Potting Chlorophytum Cuttings
Once chlorophytum cuttings have developed an adequate root system, they are ready to be potted in well-draining potting mix. Choose a container with drainage holes that is 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Fill the container 2⁄3 full with a peat moss-based potting mix containing extra perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage and aeration.
Bury one or more axillary buds and the base of the stem in the potting medium. Place the cutting in the center of the pot and fill in around the sides with more potting mix. Firm the medium around the base of the stem with your fingers. Water thoroughly until water flows out the drainage holes at the bottom of the container.
Potting medium recommendations: A mixture of 1 part peat moss to 1 part perlite or vermiculite works well for potting chlorophytum cuttings. Peat moss holds moisture and provides nutrients while perlite and vermiculite improve drainage and aeration. Commercial peat-based mixes formulated for houseplants also work great. The medium should be loose, crumbly, and well-draining.
Burying the stem: Bury at least one axillary bud and the base of the stem, leaving the top two leaves exposed above the potting medium. New shoots will emerge from the buried nodes. Burying part of the stem helps support the new cutting while its roots become established in the pot.
Spacing requirements: Place potted cuttings 6 to 12 inches apart. Give each new plant plenty of space to allow for future growth. Once potted, place the cuttings in a warm area with bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Post-potting care: Water the cuttings thoroughly after potting and never let the potting medium dry out completely. Fertilize the new plants every 2 to 4 weeks with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at 1⁄2 the recommended strength. Watch for new shoot and root growth emerging from the potting medium. Repot as needed in the following growing season before plants become pot bound.
With the proper potting medium, light conditions and care, chlorophytum cuttings will grow quickly into full, bushy houseplants. They can live and thrive for many years with minimal maintenance. Provide occasional pruning, repotting and fertilization to keep plants healthy and looking their best.
Care and Maintenance of New Chlorophytum Plants
After potting, chlorophytum cuttings require warm conditions and consistent moisture to establish themselves. Place newly potted plants in a spot with bright, indirect light, such as near a sunny window. The ideal temperature range is 65 to 80 F. Water thoroughly after potting and never let the potting medium dry out completely.
Light requirements: Chlorophytum plants need bright, indirect light for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, especially on young plants. Locate plants 3 to 6 feet away from sunny windows. Rotate plants 1⁄4 turn every week to promote even growth.
Watering requirements: Water newly planted chlorophytum cuttings regularly to keep the potting medium consistently moist but not soggy. Never let the potting medium dry out completely. Check the moisture level of the medium before watering by sticking your finger about an inch deep—it should feel damp but not wet. Water less in the fall and winter when growth slows down.
Feeding requirements: Fertilize young chlorophytum plants every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at 1⁄2 the recommended strength. Discontinue feeding in the fall and winter when growth is dormant. Resume regular feeding in the spring after new growth starts emerging.
Repotting: Repot when plants become pot bound, typically every 12 to 24 months. Move up one size and use a container with drainage holes and fresh, well-draining potting mix. Bury part of the stems with each repotting to promote new shoot growth.
Pruning: Chlorophytum plants require little pruning. Only remove dead or dying leaves and stems. Trim plants back by about one third every few years to control size and shape. Pruning also helps stimulate the growth of new shoots.
Newly propagated chlorophytum plants require more frequent attention while they are becoming established. Mature, well-established plants can thrive with minimal maintenance. Providing the proper conditions and occasional grooming will keep chlorophytum plants healthy and prevent common issues such as root rot, leaf spot, and pest infestations. With care, a single plant can live for many years and produce offsets to share with friends and family.
