Troubleshooting Propagation Issues

Carrying out self-propagation of plants may seem relatively simple and fun. Some plants are easy to grow, which makes propagation effortless. Propagation can be as simple as just putting cuttings in a glass of water – but it’s worth looking for ways to propagate certain plants that are even more effective. Remember to research first, there are easy ways to propagate but there are also many ways to make mistakes in the process.

Methods of Plant Propagation (find the appropriate way to propagate)
One of the first ways to start propagation is by choosing a mother plant that is healthy, strong and free from disease. When it comes to plant propagation, choosing the right method is also very important. Each plant has different propagation methods that are most effective. There are plants that can be easily propagated from cuttings, while others may require seed propagation. Not even all plants are suitable for propagation in water. Depending on their growing conditions, some have a much higher chance of taking root when planted in soil. Understanding the plant according to its type and needs is the chance of successful propagation.

Preventing or Avoiding Common Problems
Things that need to be prepared to prevent problems. Prevention is better than cure, right? Pay attention to the optimal environmental conditions for plant growth. Starting from temperature, humidity, light, and planting media. If the environment is less than ideal such as temperatures that are too low, try to make a hood so that the temperature and humidity become ideal for plant growth metabolism. Light also affects whether your plants need shade or not, whether your plants need direct light or not. Light can also be regulated through the help of lamps, or put it in a place that gets enough light. Light plays an important role for photosynthesis and plant growth. Choosing a planting medium for propagation should be a well-drained medium that can maintain moisture to encourage root growth.

Identifying Propagation Issues
• Propagation at Wrong Time
Most ornamental plants will actively grow as long as the environment is favorable. The ideal times are spring and summer. Or if in a country with two seasons, time is not a problem because it can be done throughout the year. But that does not mean that outside the ideal season you cannot propagate at all. It’s just that in terms of environmental factors, plant growth will be more suitable at that time.

• Cutting in the Wrong Part
When cutting, make sure to use clean and sharp tools. One potential problem is cutting the wrong part of the plant. Pay attention to how to cut stems, it looks easy to do but pay more attention so as not to cut the wrong part. If this happens there is a possibility that the roots will be difficult to grow and end up failing.

• Root Rot
One of the most common challenges is root rot. Root rot occurs when plant roots get too much water, leaving the media and roots in high humidity conditions for a long time. Understand the characteristics of root rot from wilting or yellowing leaves. Change the frequency of watering, make sure the media has good drainage and the roots can grow optimally.

• Slow Growth Development
One of your propagated plants may experience slower growth than the others. If you have no idea how to fix this, try to rotate the plants and check that they get enough light. Give the plants a boost with additional fertilization and if needed apply growth regulators.

• Pests & Diseases
Indoor plants may be safer from pests and diseases. But don’t be underestimated, check the plant for indications of spotting, unusual biting, leaf discoloration, or pest bite marks on the leaves. If there are any indications, take immediate preventive measures to keep the plant free of pests and diseases.

Post Propagation Care
After propagation, it is necessary to nurture them into healthy and well-grown plants. Pay attention to the environmental conditions again, plants that start to grow mature sometimes have different needs than at the time of propagation. Maintenance routines such as watering and fertilizing, need to be evaluated whether your plants need a more intense watering frequency or not. Try to analyze its growth as well, whether it needs to be fertilized in a different way to enhance root, leaf and stem growth. Regularly watch out for pests and diseases. Put more attention on parts of the plant that are not easily visible such as under the leaves. When it starts to grow up try to give yourself more varied plant propagation challenges.