The Vicks Plant (Plectranthus tomentosa) is cherished for its soft, velvety leaves that release a strong, menthol-like scent reminiscent of Vicks VapoRub when touched. This aroma makes it a popular choice for those seeking an aromatic addition to their plant collections. Propagating it from cuttings offers a simple way to expand your collection or share with others.
Gathering Supplies and Timing
Gather the right tools and choose an optimal time. You will need sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to make precise cuts, preventing damage and disease. For soil rooting, prepare small pots with a well-draining potting mix, such as a succulent blend or a mix of peat moss and vermiculite. While not strictly necessary, rooting hormone can be used to encourage faster root development. The warmer growing seasons, spring or summer, offer ideal temperatures and light for cuttings to establish roots efficiently.
Taking Cuttings
Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant that shows vigorous growth. The ideal cutting length is 4 to 6 inches, ensuring it has several leaf nodes. Make a cut just below a leaf node, as this is where new roots are most likely to emerge.
After taking the cutting, remove the lower leaves from the stem, exposing at least two to four leaf nodes. Submerged leaves in water can rot, and buried leaves in soil can lead to fungal issues. Ensuring a clean, leafless stem base helps the cutting focus its energy on root production.
Rooting Your Cuttings
Rooting Vicks Plant cuttings can be achieved effectively through two primary methods: water or soil. Both approaches offer good success rates.
Water Rooting
Place prepared cuttings into a glass or small container filled with clean water, ensuring no leaves are submerged to prevent rot. Position the container in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth. You should begin to observe small white roots emerging from the nodes within approximately one to two weeks. Once roots are about an inch long, transplant the cuttings into soil.
Soil Rooting
To root cuttings directly in soil, prepare small pots with a well-draining succulent mix. Create a small hole in the center of the potting mix using a finger or pencil. Insert the cutting, burying at least one leaf node. Gently firm the soil around the base for support. Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, as this can lead to rot. Place potted cuttings in a warm spot with bright, indirect light; new leaf growth indicates successful rooting.
Caring for Your New Plants
Once rooted, provide new Vicks Plants with bright, indirect sunlight, as direct sun can scorch leaves. If water-rooted, transplant them into a well-draining potting mix once roots are at least one inch long. Maintain a consistent watering schedule, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Vicks Plants are susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so ensure adequate drainage. With proper light and watering, your new Vicks Plants will thrive.