Some plants (mainly house plants) can be propagated from a whole or part of a leaf. According to individual varieties, leaf cuttings can be taken early in the growing season although some can be propagated throughout the year.
Part Leaf:
Step by Step:
- Choose a healthy plant that has not been affected by pests or disease.
- Fill a clean container with relevant potting media such as seed or cutting compost.
- Choose a healthy and fully-grown leaf.
- Cut your leaf in half along the midrib and discard the remnants.
- Using a seed tray make a shallow insertion into the soil and gently place the leaf into place with the cut side facing down.
- Firm into place and water well, taking care not to waterlog the soil.
- Using a seed tray make a shallow trench and insert the leaf, cut side down and firm in.
- Put your container into a plastic bag and tie up loosely with an elastic band or similar.
- Keep in warm, dry and well-lit place out of direct sunlight.
- Keep moist and repot when ready.
Whole-leaf:
Step by Step:
- Cut the leaves with the stalk intact from the parent plant.
- In clean pots, insert the base of each leaf.
- Firm into place and water well, taking care not to waterlog the soil.
- Using a seed tray make a shallow trench and insert the leaf, cut side down and firm in.
- Put your container into a plastic bag and tie up loosely with an elastic band or similar.
- Keep in warm, dry and well-lit place out of direct sunlight.
- Keep moist and repot when ready.
Succulents:
- Leaf cuttings of succulents should be left a day or two to thicken before potting.
- Insert into pots filled to three-quarters depth with two parts cactus compost to one-part fine grit, topped off with fine grit.
- Do not cover. Place in warm position and good light. Keep the compost just slightly moist.