How to Propagate Calathea Prayer Plant:
Propogation Made Easy

Calathea prayer plants are beautiful indoor ornamental plants that are easy to care for and propagate. They are known for their stunning foliage, which comes in different shades of green, pink, and purple. Propagating a Calathea prayer plant can be done through stem cuttings or division. In this article, we will discuss how to propagate Calathea prayer plants using both methods.

Propagation by Stem Cuttings

Propagating a Calathea prayer plant by stem cuttings is an easy and straightforward process. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Cutting

Select a healthy stem from the mother plant that has at least two nodes. The nodes are the small bumps on the stem where leaves grow. Cut the stem just below a node using a sharp and clean pair of scissors or pruning shears.

Step 2: Remove the Leaves

Remove the bottom leaves of the cutting, leaving only two or three leaves at the top. This will help divert energy towards growing new roots instead of sustaining the leaves.

Step 3: Plant the Cutting

Plant the cutting in a small pot with a well-draining soil mix. Water the cutting thoroughly and place it in a warm and humid location with indirect sunlight.

Step 4: Watering and Care

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag or container to create a humid environment that will promote root growth. After a few weeks, you should notice new growth coming from the top of the cutting, indicating that it has successfully rooted.

Propagation by Division

Propagating Calathea prayer plants by division is another method that is effective and straightforward. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Mother Plant

Remove the mother plant from its pot and gently shake off any excess soil from its roots. Identify natural divisions in the plant where individual sections can be separated.

Step 2: Divide the Plant

Use your hands or a sharp, sterile knife or scissors to separate each section of the mother plant. Make sure that each section has some roots attached to it.

Step 3: Repotting

Repot each section of the plant into its own pot filled with fresh potting soil mix. Water each new plant thoroughly and place them in a warm and humid location with indirect sunlight.

Step 4: Watering and Care

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can cover each new plant with a clear plastic bag or container to create a humid environment that will promote their growth. After a few weeks, you should notice new growth coming from each new plant, indicating that they have successfully taken root.

FAQ

Q: When is the best time to propagate Calathea prayer plants?

A: The best time to propagate Calathea prayer plants is during their active growing season in spring or summer.

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

A: It is possible to propagate Calathea prayer plants in water, but it is not recommended as they prefer well-draining soil.

Q: How long does it take for Calathea prayer plant cuttings or divisions to root?

A: It usually takes about two to four weeks for Calathea prayer plant cuttings or divisions to root.

Q: Can I propagate Calathea prayer plants that are not actively growing?

A: It is not recommended to propagate Calathea prayer plants that are not actively growing as they may not have enough energy to produce new roots.

In conclusion, propagating Calathea prayer plants is an easy and rewarding process that can be done using stem cuttings or division. By following these simple steps, you can increase your collection of these beautiful indoor ornamental plants and enjoy their stunning foliage in different parts of your home!