In the third episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat" series, Joanne discusses propagation, a simple and rewarding way to expand your plant collection.
Topics discussed:
- Quick recap of Houseplant Chat #1 and #2: winter light, soil refresh/repotting, and watering
- What propagation is (and why it's easier than starting from seed)
- Best beginner-friendly plants to propagate: pothos and philodendrons
- Fixing a long, "leggy" trailing plant by trimming and replanting rooted cuttings back into the base to fill it out
- How to take cuttings: clean tools, cut around leaf nodes, and root in water
- How long rooting can take (and why patience pays off, especially for woodier plants)
- "Mother plant" strategy: pruning the original plant and using the cuttings to rebuild a fuller shape
- Gift and budget-friendly uses: making plants to share, sell, or give as gifts
- A reminder that plants are more resilient than we think, and even cut stems can be decorative in water
- Using propagation as décor: greenery in vases for low-light areas and windowless rooms
Takeaways and Tips:
- Start with easy wins: pothos and philodendrons root quickly and are beginner-proof.
- Always cut near a node: that's where roots are most likely to form.
- Use clean, sharp tools: cleaner cuts make for healthier cuttings.
- Re-fill leggy plants: root cuttings, then plant them back into the pot to thicken the base and make the plant look brand new.
- Don't panic if something snaps off: trim it neatly, pop it in water, and see what happens.
- Water propagation can double as décor: a vase of cuttings adds life to dark corners, and you can pot them up later.
- Expect slower rooting on woody plants: they can still work, but they take longer.
- Experiment without fear: some cuttings won't take (and that's okay) because the learning is part of the fun.
Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss?
Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca
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Down the Garden Path Podcast
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.
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