--- title: "Hello plant friends. I'm having a propagation issue and I'm hoping…" description: "Hello plant friends. I'm having a propagation issue and I'm hoping someone (or multiple someones) can help. About 5 weeks ago I received these two Maranta…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg/zki1JAs3WWMph7oV0wRoII" community: "Propagating & Sowing" author: "Mekare" published: "2025-04-28T23:39:08.059631Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/W98nQAfZCbdzoElFW6jIeacijSuga-yJXxvyhpne5kc/ZE8TSflLQaqnnzmbVAH3VQ.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Propagating \& Sowing](https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg.md) # Hello plant friends. I'm having a propagation issue and I'm hoping… _Posted by Mekare on 2025-04-28_ Hello plant friends. I'm having a propagation issue and I'm hoping someone (or multiple someones) can help. About 5 weeks ago I received these two Maranta cuttings. They spent a week in leca but, not knowing anything about leca and seeing a lot of people suggest water, I moved them to water. I have lowered the water level slightly from the picture. The stem with one leaf developed the start of one root almost 2 weeks ago and it hasn't changed much, it looks like it may be starting another root on the other side. The one with two leaves isn't rooting at all and almost seems to be starting to rot. They are in reverse osmosis water and they had a bit of Super Thrive one water change ago. Today I read they like humidity to propagate and I do have this teeny greenhouse that I could put it into. Currently, there's a heat mat under the greenhouse because I'm starting moringa seeds. I still have that leca available and I have sphagnum as well. Which would be the best changes for me to make to get this leafy friend rooting? Thank you so much for reading this eternal paragraph, my phone is only treating the return/enter button as enter. And thank you in advance for your help. ![Attachment 1 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/W98nQAfZCbdzoElFW6jIeacijSuga-yJXxvyhpne5kc/ZE8TSflLQaqnnzmbVAH3VQ.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/W98nQAfZCbdzoElFW6jIeacijSuga-yJXxvyhpne5kc/BSPdFr8kTDa7ejZZN5rcDw.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 3 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/W98nQAfZCbdzoElFW6jIeacijSuga-yJXxvyhpne5kc/svizeKonRd2v9KCIAgrCwg.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 4 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/W98nQAfZCbdzoElFW6jIeacijSuga-yJXxvyhpne5kc/hVKACxkWQcCwzvglmW5lsQ.webp?size=large) ## 15 comments ### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2025-04-28 Do these have any nodes? #### Mekare replied on 2025-04-28 I'm brand new to Maranta and pretty new to houseplants that aren't pothos. Isn't the node on Maranta the elbow looking part? #### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2025-04-28 It would look similar to a pothos node. These look like just leaves with a stem. But it could be the pic #### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2025-04-28 . ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/LABcXOiTFudmBUCsau2S0dZnnxDdeMAvwSHhNs7sG2k/uKDUgo9wTLKR-LN21oTp8g.webp?size=large) #### Mekare replied on 2025-04-29 I don't think so. #### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2025-04-29 So occasionally just a stem will grow roots. But it's called a "zombie leaf" as it wont grow any new leaves, just sustain the single one ### Mekare commented on 2025-04-29 So, I was sold bum cuttings? That stinks. Thank you for spending time answering my questions. I appreciate it. #### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2025-04-29 Yea I would get my money back or request cuttings with nodes #### Mekare replied on 2025-04-29 Ok. I think I might. Thank you. ### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2025-04-29 I've unfortunately gotten a few bum cuttings. One of them a $40 they refused to replace. But they'd cut it too close to the leaf stem and there was no nodes on it #### Mekare replied on 2025-04-29 Oh no! That's no good. 😢 ### KJM commented on 2025-04-29 Although you can propagate a prayer plant from a leaf with a node, it is more difficult than if you just divide the plant. I realize that doesn't help you with your purchase cuttings but if a divided plant is an option that would be a better choice. #### Mekare replied on 2025-04-29 Ok. Thank you. I'll keep that in mind when I propagate them in the future. ### zollol commented on 2025-04-29 Hah, ive had propogations that have been going for MONTHS and only have nubs. Healthy little root you have there, give her longer. #### Mekare replied on 2025-04-29 I stuck her in the little greenhouse for a game of "let's see what you do in there". Curiosity always wins. 😁 --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_