So, I made my first successful props ever. I’m really new to plants in general let alone propagation, so I came in over-prepared. Read online somewhere that roots formed in soil tend to be a bit sturdier and obviously having them in the soil already prevents the shock of going from water to soil. So, I got some clear containers with drainage. Put about an inch of pea gravel in the bottom, a layer of premium potting soil in the middle, and started giving that bushy baby a haircut. Used hormone powder and cut some of them too far below the node so had to go fix my mistake and those plants are off to the side now. Topped with a very thin layer of pea gravel to discourage gnats, be pretty, and help support the props a little better while they rooted. I ended up with two medium sized plants, and 12 reasonably happy propagations. That was September 18. It’s been about 3 weeks since then. About a week and a half ago, we had a huge cloudburst storm out of nowhere which resulted in the death of one vase and the near catastrophic loss of a polka dot plant and one of the medium pots that was sitting a little too close to the edge… so that resulted in about a dozen more propagations that are now rooting in a common container before I transfer them to their winter pots to give as gifts or swap. Total cost: $13 for one rootbound postseason purple spiderwort plant $~8 for premium potting soil $10 foe pea gravel $3 and some elbow grease for the containers, So for $34 and some sweat and tears I ended up with a medium sized mother plant and 24 babies. They’ve been so forgiving of my newbie shenanigans. Highly recommend using clear containers if you’re using the soil propagation method because it makes monitoring moisture effortless. If you’re scared to try propagating, established plants from end of season sales are a great place to start to learn. I was so scared of failing and now I have them coming out my ears! Even those of you with a brown thumb… you can do this! Next on the list: seeding some succulents, and if that’s successful maybe some coleus? Other suggestions for easy propagation plants/seeds?
