My latest venture has been learning how to propagate plants. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, Wikipedia defines plant propagation as, 'the process of growing new plants from a variety of sources: seeds, cuttings, and other plant parts. Plant propagation can also refer to the artificial or natural dispersal of plants.' It's a great and cheap way to get more plants from the plants you have already!
The first time I propagated a plant I did it by mistake. I had some rosemary cuttings from a platter I had made and left it in some water on my window sill. Within 2 weeks it had sprouted some roots and was wanting to be planted! And I had a new rosemary plant without having to buy one!
I've always had a love for plants but haven't really done much research around them so I've decided that now is the time! I've started to collect some houseplants and I've kept the odd herb but have somehow managed to kill them every time. So it's time. Time to start looking after my plants and time to learn about these beautiful things!
I've started with some basil cuttings. I've cut the stem just below some leaves, removed the bottom leaves and plopped it into a jar of water. Hopefully some roots will start sprouting in the next few weeks and I'll be able to plant them out.
The other plant I really wanted to grow is eucalyptus. I love the look of these plants and have always wanted a eucalyptus tree! There are so many types of eucalyptus, as many as 700, but I've started with the eucalyptus gunni which is also know as 'cider gum'. I've propagated this one by soaking a cutting in some rooting hormone, then planting it in a pot with potting mix and compost. We'll see what happens..
I'll keep you updated with how these go and if you have any tips on propagating plants, please let me know!
Also, check out 'Plantarina' on YouTube! She's got all the tips and tricks.
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