For the beginner wishing to build up a collection of plants rapidly the most satisfactory method is to raise them from seed, though this may be a somewhat slow process with many of them. The main advantage is that it is not necessary to have a collection of plants or a specialises in the unusual. The seed supplier will almost invariably provide advice on the general conditions needed in order to get the best results.

Shallow containers, seed boxes or seed pans should be used for sowing, and John limes No. compost will he ideal for the purpose. Sow in moist compost and keep in a lightly shaded place to begin with ; covering the container with a sheet of glass when the seeds are sown will encourage germination. When the seedlings are large enough to handle they should he transferred to J.I.P.2 compost, or similar, and at this time can either he spaced out in the seed boxes again for a spell or put individually into small pots.

For the most part cuttings of indoor plants are not too difficult to propagate, particularly if reasonable facilities are provided for housing them.

Although it may seem pointless that the function of the propagating department of a major nursery where literally millions of house plant cuttings are rooted annually, a brief look at some of the methods employed may he of some benefit. Once the novice appreciates the principles involved he is half way towards success.

When obviously growing on their own roots they can be snipped away from the parent plant and potted up individually, to begin in small pots of the same compost.

Frequently we hear that some particular exercise or other is child’s play, and this is certainly so when propagating some of the easier indoor plants. And there is no better way of encouraging youngsters to take an interest in plants than to get them to propagate some of the simpler cuttings for themselves. My own young daughter did just this with a few cuttings of Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera buckleyi) some years ago and it is now one of our most treasured possessions, cared for by the young lady in question who never fails to inform visitors that it is her plant.

Tags: articles, best, community, container, DIY, family, free, gardening, home, how, news, resources, skateboards, tips

Print This Post

Rate this post:

Related Posts:

• No related posts

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 at 1:49 pm and is filed under gardening. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.