Calathea Propagation: A Guide to Growing New Plants

Calathea plants are known for their unique and stunning foliage. With their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and interesting textures, they make a great addition to any indoor garden. If you're a fan of these tropical plants, you might be wondering how to propagate them.

In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about calathea propagation. From the different methods to the best time to propagate, we've got you covered. So, let's get started!

What is Calathea Propagation?

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. With calathea plants, this can be done in several ways - by division, stem cuttings, or air layering. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, but all of them can lead to new, healthy plants.

Method 1: Division

Division is the easiest and most common way to propagate calathea plants. It involves separating the plant into smaller sections and repotting them individually. This method is best suited for mature plants that have outgrown their containers or need to be divided for other reasons.

To divide your calathea plant, follow these steps:

1. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil.
2. Inspect the roots and look for natural separations or areas where the plant can be easily divided.
3. Use a clean and sharp knife or gardening shears to cut the plant into smaller sections. Make sure each section has a healthy root system and at least one new shoot or leaf.
4. Plant each section in a new pot with fresh potting soil and water thoroughly.

Division is best done during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. This will give the new plants enough time to establish themselves before the dormant season.

Method 2: Stem Cuttings

If you want to create more calathea plants without dividing the mother plant, you can try propagating it through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from the stem of the plant and allowing it to grow into a new plant.

The steps for propagating calathea through stem cuttings are as follows:

1. Select a healthy stem from the mother plant and cut it just below a node (the point where the leaves meet the stem).
2. Remove the lower leaves and any flowers or buds from the cutting.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth.
4. Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with moist potting soil and cover it with a plastic bag or dome to create a humid environment.
5. Place the pot in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist until the cutting has rooted and new growth appears.

Stem cuttings can be taken at any time of the year, but they are more successful when taken during the plant's active growing season.

Method 3: Air Layering

Air layering is a more advanced method of calathea propagation that involves creating new roots on a stem while it is still attached to the mother plant. This method is ideal for plants that are too large or sensitive to be divided.

Here's how to propagate calathea plants through air layering:

1. Select a healthy stem from the mother plant and make a small incision in the bark, just below a node.
2. Wrap the area with damp sphagnum moss and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to create a humid environment.
3. Secure the moss and plastic wrap with twine or tape, making sure it is tight enough to hold the moisture in but not so tight that it damages the stem.
4. Check the moss regularly and mist it with water if it starts to dry out.
5. After a few weeks, roots should start to grow from the moss-covered area. Once they are well-developed, carefully cut the stem below the root ball and pot it up.

Air layering is best done during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. It can take several months for roots to develop, so be patient and check the moss regularly.

Tips for Successful Calathea Propagation

Regardless of the propagation method you choose, there are a few tips that can help ensure success:

• Always use clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant.
• Choose healthy plant material with no signs of disease or pest infestation.
• Provide the right amount of light, heat, and humidity for your new plants.
• Water your new plants consistently but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Be patient - it can take several weeks or months for new plants to establish themselves.

By following these tips and choosing the right propagation method for your plant, you can create new calathea plants to enjoy for years to come.

Step 1: Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently shake off excess soil.

Step 2: Inspect the roots and look for natural separations or areas where the plant can be easily divided.

Step 3: Use a clean and sharp knife or gardening shears to cut the plant into smaller sections.

Step 4: Plant each section in a new pot with fresh potting soil and water thoroughly.

Calathea, indoor plants, houseplants, gardening, propagation methods, division, stem cuttings, air layering