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Love Proteas?
Growing them from cuttings can be a game-changer.
It’s easier than you think. Check out these 7 tactics to get started and watch your garden bloom with these stunning flowers.
Ready to grow?
Let’s go!
Select Healthy Cuttings
Pick out strong, healthy stems from your protea plants. Look for stems that are about pencil-thick and have some new growth.
Avoid any that look old, weak, or diseased. Make your cut just below a leaf node and aim for a piece that’s about 4 to 6 inches long.
Strip the leaves off the bottom two-thirds of the cutting. This helps the plant focus on rooting instead of maintaining leaves.
Dip in Rooting Hormone
Rooting hormone can be a game changer for protea cuttings! Dip the cut end of your stem in some rooting hormone powder before planting.
This stimulates faster and stronger root development. You can find rooting hormone at most garden centers or online.
Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package for best results.
Prepare Your Soil Mix
Proteas need well-draining soil to thrive. You can make your own mix by combining equal parts of coarse sand and potting soil.
Adding a bit of perlite also helps with drainage. Fill a small pot with the soil mix and make a hole in the center for your cutting.
The soil should be slightly moist, but not waterlogged.
Plant the Cuttings
Place the cut end of your stem into the hole you made in the soil mix. Push it in about an inch deep to ensure it stands upright.
Gently firm the soil around the base so it stays in place. If the cutting is struggling to stand, you can use a small stick or stake to support it.
Then give it a gentle watering.
Cover and Keep Humid
Protea cuttings root best in a humid environment. You can create a mini greenhouse by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag.
Make sure the bag doesn’t touch the cutting. Use a few sticks to prop it up if needed.
Place your mini greenhouse in a warm spot with indirect light. Check it regularly to keep the moisture levels up.
Monitor and Wait
Be patient, rooting can take a few weeks. Check the moisture in the soil regularly and mist your cutting if it begins to dry out.
Avoid overwatering as proteas dislike soggy soil. When you see new growth, it’s usually a sign that roots are developing.
At this point, you can gradually acclimate the plant to normal conditions.
Transplanting
Once your cuttings have developed a good root system and a few new leaves, it’s time to transplant. Gently remove the cutting from the pot, taking care not to damage the delicate roots.
Plant it in a larger pot or directly in your garden. Make sure the soil remains well-drained and keep an eye on it as it adjusts to its new home.