How to Propagate Calathea Plants in 2 Easy Ways

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Calathea Plants are best propagated by plant division at the beginning of the growing season in spring. Dividing the plant at this time hastens establishment as it is in the active growth phase. When you note that your plant has become overcrowded in its current pot and the roots are growing through the drainage holes, it is time to divide it.

Calathea are popular plants on account of their ornately patterned leaves and their curious characteristic of raising and closing their leaves at night. Most Calathea varieties may not be easy to grow under room conditions but when given the right growing conditions, they can last for years.

Calathea Plants grow best in medium to bright indirect light (filtered light), warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Calathea Plants.

Calathea Plants are easy to propagate by plant division. We have herebelow outlined for you 2 methods by which you can successfully multiply your Calathea Plants.

1. How to propagate Calathea by plant division in soil

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife


• 6-10 inches pots


• Well-drained, potting medium


• Clear polythene sheet or bag


• Watering can and chlorine-free water

Step by step Calathea propagation in soil

1. Water the Calathea Plant thoroughly one day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.


2. Slip the plant out of its pot, remove excess soil, disentangle the roots and cut away any dead roots.


3. With a clean, sharp pair of pruning scissors or knife, carefully divide the plant into several sections. Ensure that each section has adequate roots and at least 2-3 stems to hasten rooting.


4. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


5. Fill the pot with well-drained, potting medium and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.


6. Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain the section at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.


7. Liberally wet the soil with chlorine-free until the water comes out through the drainage holes to ensure that the soil is completely wetted.


8. Cover the pots with the clear polythene sheet or bag to create a greenhouse effect and to maintain warm humid conditions which hastens establishment of the plants.


9. Position the pots in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight and maintain the soil moist until the new Calathea Plants are well established.


10. Once the plants are well established, over a period of two weeks, gradually remove the polythene to acclimate the new plants to ordinary growing conditions.


11. Repot the new plants into a pot 1 size larger than the current one in well-drained soil, place them in bright indirect light and begin routine care.

2. How to propagate Calathea by plant division in water

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife


• Jar of plain water or a propagation station


• Clear polythene sheet or bag


• Well-drained, potting Mix


• Watering can and chlorine-free water


• Small pots about 8-10 inches

Step by step Calathea propagation in water

1. Water the Calathea Plant thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment as a well hydrated plant suffers less shock and takes a shorter time to take root.


2. Slip the plant out of its current pot, remove excess soil, thoroughly wash the roots with plenty of water, disentangle the roots and cut away any dead roots.


3. With a clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife, carefully divide the plant into several sections. Ensure each section has adequate roots and at least 2-3 stems to encourage establishment.


4. Place each division in a jar of chlorine-free water or in a propagation station while ensuring that the root base is well submerged but keep the foliage above the water surface.


5. Cover the set up with the clear polythene sheet or bag to create a greenhouse effect and to maintain warm humid conditions to hasten establishment of the plants.


6. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Change the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh as well as prevent fungal growth.


7. When a good amount of new roots have formed on the sections, over a period of two weeks, gradually remove the polythene to acclimate the new plants to ordinary growing conditions.


8. Transfer the sections into individual pots at least 1 inch wider than the base of the rooted sections. Make sure that the pots have a drainage hole and that the soil is well-drained to avoid getting soggy soil.


9. Position the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching and death of the plant. Maintain the soil moist until the new plants are well established.


10. Transplant the new Calathea Plants into a pot 1 size larger than the current one. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is well-drained. At this point, you can begin routine care.

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