Lisianthus, with its delicate, rose-like blooms, offers a captivating presence in any garden or floral arrangement. Propagating these beautiful plants from cuttings provides a rewarding way to multiply your existing stock or share them with others. This method creates new plants genetically identical to the parent, ensuring the same desirable traits.
When to Propagate Lisianthus Cuttings
The most opportune time to take lisianthus cuttings is during late spring to early summer. At this point, the parent plant is actively growing but has not yet begun its main flowering cycle. Selecting non-flowering stems from new, vigorous growth increases the likelihood of successful rooting, as the plant has sufficient energy reserves for root development. Choose actively growing, healthy, non-woody stems. Avoid any stressed, diseased, or budding stems, as these direct energy towards blooming rather than root formation.
Gathering Your Propagation Supplies
Before beginning, gather all necessary tools. You will need sharp pruning shears or a clean knife for precise cuts, which helps prevent damage to plant tissue. Rooting hormone, available in powder or gel form, can significantly enhance root development.
A suitable rooting medium, such as perlite, vermiculite, or a specialized seed-starting mix, is important for good drainage and aeration. Small pots or propagation trays will house your cuttings. A plastic dome or clear plastic bag helps maintain high humidity, and a spray bottle is useful for misting.
Taking Lisianthus Cuttings
Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the parent plant, about 4 to 6 inches in length, exhibiting robust growth and no signs of disease or pest damage. Make a clean cut just below a node, the point on the stem where roots readily form. After cutting, carefully remove any leaves from the lower 2 to 3 inches of the stem. This prevents rotting when inserted into the rooting medium and reduces moisture loss. If the cutting has any flower buds, pinch them off to direct the plant’s energy towards root development.
Rooting Lisianthus Cuttings
Lisianthus cuttings can be rooted in either water or a solid rooting medium. For water rooting, place prepared cuttings in clean water, submerging only the leafless portion. Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth and provide fresh oxygen. Transfer water-rooted cuttings to a solid medium once roots are about an inch long.
When using a rooting medium, dip the cut end into rooting hormone, if desired, tapping off any excess. Insert the treated end into a pre-moistened rooting medium, such as perlite or a peat-based mix, ensuring lower nodes are buried. Space cuttings so they do not touch, allowing for adequate air circulation. After planting, water the medium lightly to settle it.
To create a humid environment, cover the pots or trays with a plastic dome or clear plastic bag, which helps reduce water loss from the leaves. Place cuttings in bright, indirect light, maintaining a consistent temperature of 65°F-75°F (18°C-24°C). Regularly check the medium’s moisture, keeping it consistently damp but not waterlogged, and mist leaves occasionally to maintain humidity.
Caring for Your New Lisianthus Plants
Signs of successful rooting, such as new leaf growth, typically become visible within 3 to 6 weeks. Once a healthy root system has developed, young lisianthus plants are ready for transplanting into larger, individual pots. Gently remove each rooted cutting from the propagation tray, taking care not to damage the delicate new roots. Plant them in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix.
After transplanting, water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain. Continue to provide bright, indirect light, gradually increasing sun exposure over several days to acclimate them. Maintain consistent soil moisture, allowing the top inch to dry slightly between waterings, to prevent overwatering and drought stress. An initial feeding with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer can support their growth.