Leaf Cuttings

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.