Turtle vine plant is a popular houseplant because of its attractive foliage and easy maintenance. It is also known as Callisia repens or Creeping Inch Plant. This low-growing succulent plant is native to South America and can be propagated easily.
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from an existing one. It is an excellent way to increase your plant collection without spending too much money. In this article, we will discuss how to propagate turtle vine plant the right way.
The best time to propagate turtle vine plant is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. You can also propagate it in fall, but the growth rate might be slower due to the cooler temperatures.
Before you get started with propagating your turtle vine, you will need some basic supplies:
Choose a healthy parent plant with no signs of disease or pest infestation. The parent plant should have several stems that are at least 4 inches long.
Fill a clean container with well-draining soil mix. You can use a mix of perlite, peat moss, and sand in equal parts. Make sure the container has drainage holes.
Using sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut a stem from the parent plant that is at least 4 inches long. Make sure the cut is clean and straight.
Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only two or three leaves on the top.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder. Rooting hormone will help stimulate root growth and increase the success rate of propagation.
Insert the cut end of the stem into the soil mix, making sure it is buried at least an inch deep. Gently press the soil around the stem to secure it.
Water the soil until it is moist but not waterlogged. Place the container in a bright, indirect light location. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Check the moisture level of the soil every few days and water as needed to keep it moist. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
After a few weeks, check if roots have formed by gently tugging on the stem. If you feel resistance, it means roots have formed.
Once roots have formed, transplant your new turtle vine plant to a bigger pot with well-draining soil mix.
No, turtle vine plant cannot be propagated from leaves. You need to take stem cuttings with at least two or three leaves on top.
It takes about two to four weeks for turtle vine plant to root, depending on the temperature and humidity levels.
Yes, you can propagate turtle vine plant in water. Just follow steps one to four above and place the stem in a container with water instead of planting it directly in soil.
No, regular soil is too heavy and can retain too much moisture, which can cause stem rot. You need to use a well-draining soil mix.
Water your newly propagated turtle vine plant whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
In conclusion, propagating turtle vine plant is an easy and cost-effective way to increase your plant collection. Follow the step-by-step guide above, and your new plant will be thriving in no time.