Wet stick propagation cultivates new plants from small stem sections. This technique encourages roots and new shoots to emerge from stem nodes, even without existing leaves. It uses a high-humidity environment to stimulate growth, efficiently expanding a plant collection.
Why Choose Wet Stick Propagation
This method offers distinct advantages, especially for maximizing plant material or propagating rare or costly species. It allows salvaging damaged stems, turning potential waste into new plant life. Wet stick propagation is common for many aroid species, including philodendrons, monsteras, pothos, scindapsus, and rhaphidophora. Acquiring a wet stick can also be a more economical way to obtain a desirable plant variety compared to purchasing a mature specimen.
Preparing Your Wet Sticks and Materials
Gather necessary tools and materials: sharp, sterilized cutting tools (e.g., pruning shears or a razor blade), disinfected between uses. For the growing medium, options include sphagnum moss, perlite, LECA, or coco coir. A common choice is a 50/50 mix of sphagnum moss and perlite. Clear containers, such as humidity domes or repurposed Tupperware, are also essential.
To prepare wet sticks, cut a healthy stem into sections, ensuring each piece contains at least one node. The node is where new roots and shoots emerge. Leave a small amount of stem on both sides of the node as a buffer against rot.
After cutting, allow fresh cuts to callus for 8 to 24 hours to reduce rot risk. If the stem was cut previously, rehydrating it in water for about an hour can be beneficial. A hydrogen peroxide solution can treat existing rot before propagation.
The Wet Stick Propagation Process
Begin by moistening your chosen growing medium until damp, like a wrung-out sponge, avoiding oversaturation. Proper moisture prevents rot and encourages root development. Place each wet stick onto the surface, ensuring the node makes good contact. If an auxiliary bud is visible, orient the wet stick so this point faces upwards to guide new shoot growth. Avoid burying the wet stick completely; it should rest on or be partially nestled into the medium.
Enclose the wet sticks within a clear container or humidity dome to create a consistent, high-humidity environment. Condensation indicates adequate humidity. Position the setup in bright, indirect light. Maintaining temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C) provides an optimal environment.
Caring for Developing Wet Sticks
After setup, maintain high humidity (ideally 60% or higher) for root and shoot emergence. Periodically open the container every few days for air circulation, preventing mold and fungal growth. The medium should remain consistently moist, not waterlogged. If drying, lightly mist or add a small amount of water.
Ensure bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can overheat the enclosed environment and dry out the medium. Regularly inspect wet sticks for progress, such as root nubs or new growth. Monitor for rot (squishy or discolored areas). Promptly remove any dead or decaying material to prevent spread.
Transitioning Rooted Wet Sticks
Once wet sticks develop a robust root system and new foliage, they are ready for transition. This stage is typically reached when roots are several inches long and at least one new leaf has unfurled. Root development can take several months.
Carefully transfer the plantlet from the propagation medium into a suitable, well-draining potting mix, handling delicate roots gently. Gradually acclimatize the plantlet to a less humid environment by slowly increasing ventilation or progressively opening the humidity dome over several days or weeks.
Troubleshooting Wet Stick Propagation
If a wet stick shows no growth after an extended period, ensure the environment maintains adequate warmth and humidity. Rot is a common issue, often caused by oversaturation, insufficient air circulation, or unsterilized tools. If rot is detected, promptly cut away all affected tissue using sterilized tools. Adjust the medium to be damp, not wet, and improve ventilation. A hydrogen peroxide soak can also help.
Fungal issues or mold indicate lack of air circulation or excessive moisture. Increase ventilation. If wet sticks are drying out, ensure the container is sealed and the medium remains moist.