How to Propagate Calathea Dottie Plant:
Propogation Made Easy

Calathea Dottie is a beautiful indoor plant that is known for its stunning dark green leaves with pink stripes. It is a popular choice for those who want to add some color and texture to their home or office space. If you already have a Calathea Dottie plant and want to propagate it, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to do so successfully.

What is Propagation?

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It is a great way to expand your plant collection and share your love for plants with others. There are several methods of propagation, including stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, division, and seed propagation. In this article, we will focus on stem cuttings as the method for propagating Calathea Dottie.

Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Calathea Dottie

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

The best time to propagate your Calathea Dottie plant is during the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing. This will give your new plant the best chance of success.

Step 2: Choose the Right Stem

Choose a healthy stem from your existing Calathea Dottie plant that has at least one or two leaves attached to it. Make sure the stem is not too young or too old as this can affect its ability to root.

Step 3: Cut the Stem

Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem at an angle just below a node (where a leaf attaches to the stem). The cutting should be around 4-6 inches long.

Step 4: Remove Lower Leaves

Remove any leaves on the lower half of the stem. This will allow the stem to focus its energy on rooting rather than supporting leaves.

Step 5: Prepare Soil

Fill a small pot with well-draining soil such as peat moss or perlite. Water the soil lightly before planting.

Step 6: Plant Cutting

Make a small hole in the soil and gently insert the cutting into it, making sure that at least one node is buried in the soil. Press the soil around the cutting to secure it in place.

Step 7: Watering

Water the cutting lightly and cover it with a plastic bag or dome to increase humidity. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Step 8: Wait for Roots

After a few weeks, check for new growth and roots by gently tugging on the stem. If there is resistance, roots have formed and you can remove the plastic bag or dome.

Step 9: Repotting

Once your new Calathea Dottie plant has established roots, you can repot it into a larger pot with fresh soil.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take for Calathea Dottie cuttings to root?

A: It can take anywhere from two to six weeks for Calathea Dottie cuttings to root depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Q: How often should I water my new Calathea Dottie plant?

A: Water your new Calathea Dottie plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.

Q: Can I propagate my Calathea Dottie plant in water?

A: While it is possible to propagate Calathea Dottie in water, it is not recommended as these plants are sensitive to changes in environment and water quality.

Q: Can I propagate my Calathea Dottie plant by division?

A: Yes, you can propagate your Calathea Dottie plant by division during its growing season (spring or summer) by separating out individual plants from its parent plant and potting them up separately.

In conclusion, propagating your Calathea Dottie plant can be an easy and rewarding experience with these simple steps. With some patience and care, you can create new plants and expand your collection while enjoying their beauty in your home or office space.