As with every month, we bring you a tip on cuttings. Here is an April cutting: simple, quick, and especially rewarding. Feel free to share your experience and observations in the comments!
What to propagate in April?
As with every month, we also point out what to do to care for your indoor plants in April. With the return of light and milder temperatures, your plants are coming out of their winter rest and restarting their growth.
On the propagation front, let’s focus on the indoor Kalanchoe, a succulent that is as decorative as it is easy to multiply. It’s even one of the most accessible plants for starting cuttings.
First, note that there are several varieties of Kalanchoe: Spider, Beharensis, Tubiflora, to name a few. All share their ability to multiply easily, sometimes even without human intervention.
Nothing easier than Kalanchoe cuttings!
To propagate Kalanchoe, cut a stem about 5 cm long, let it dry for a few hours to avoid excess moisture, then plant it in a light, well-drained potting mix. In most cases, the plant will quickly take root and start growing again.
Place your cutting in a bright spot, without direct sun, and water very moderately. Like all succulents, kalanchoe fears overwatering more than drying out.
But you can do better, with fun propagation ideas to try!
Some fun ideas for propagating Kalanchoe
- Detach a single leaf and lay it on the soil of the mother plant: it will naturally produce new plantlets.
- Put a stem in water: roots will appear in a few days, making the process easy to monitor.
- For the kalanchoe Beharensis, you can plant leaves “on a skewer” on a piece of wire, spacing them slightly apart: they will develop roots. This quirky technique is described in the November cutting article.
More surprising?
In a container, when the plant is outdoors, roots sometimes grow spontaneously on certain stems. If that happens, just cut them and replant to obtain a new plant with little effort.
The mistakes to avoid to ensure success every time
Kalanchoe is forgiving, but some mistakes are all too common. The main trap remains overwatering, which can cause cuttings to rot even before roots appear.
Soil that is too compact or poorly drained can also hinder development. Don’t hesitate to add a bit of sand or clay pellets to improve drainage.
Finally, avoid handling your cuttings too often: give them time to settle in quietly.
Why April is the perfect time
With more light and higher temperatures, plants enter an active growth phase. The conditions are therefore ideal for encouraging rooting.
By propagating in the spring, you give your young plants several months to develop before winter, which ensures a better establishment in the long run.
Don’t hesitate to share your personal experience with this amazing plant!
