How to Propagate Creeping Inch Plant the Right Way

Creeping Inch Plant, also known as Wandering Jew or Tradescantia fluminensis is a popular houseplant with stunning green and white foliage. This plant is low maintenance and easy to care for, making it ideal for beginners. If you’re interested in growing your collection of Creeping Inch Plants, propagating them is a great way to do so. Propagation is the process of creating new plants from cuttings of an existing one. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of propagating Creeping Inch Plant.

Materials needed

A healthy Creeping Inch Plant
A clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruners
A container with fresh potting soil
Watering can or spray bottle
Rooting hormone (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Select a healthy Creeping Inch Plant: Choose a plant that is healthy, robust, and has no signs of disease or pests.
Choose a stem to propagate: Look for long and trailing stems that have nodes (points where leaves grow out) close to the soil. These stems are perfect for propagation.
Cut the stem: Using clean and sharp scissors, make a clean cut just below a node. Make sure that the stem is at least 4 inches long.
Remove lower leaves: Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem. This will help the plant focus its energy on root growth rather than maintaining leaves.
Optional: Dip stem in rooting hormone: To encourage root growth, you can dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone before planting.
Plant the stem: Plant the stem in fresh potting soil, making sure that at least one node is under the soil level. Water thoroughly.
Provide proper care: Keep your newly propagated Creeping Inch Plant in a warm and humid location. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot. In about 2-3 weeks, you should start to see new growth and roots forming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for a Creeping Inch Plant cutting to root?

It typically takes 2-3 weeks for the cutting to develop roots.

Do I need to use rooting hormone when propagating Creeping Inch Plant?

No, rooting hormone is not necessary, but it can help speed up the process of root growth.

Can I propagate Creeping Inch Plant in water?

Yes, you can propagate Creeping Inch Plant in water. Simply place the cut stem in a jar filled with water and change the water every few days. Once roots have formed, you can transplant the cutting into soil.

How do I know if my propagated Creeping Inch Plant has rooted?

You will know that your plant has rooted once you see new growth emerging from the stem and roots growing from the bottom of the stem.

Can I propagate Creeping Inch Plant all year round?

While you can propagate Creeping Inch Plant at any time of the year, it is best to do so during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.

In conclusion, propagating Creeping Inch Plant is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to expand your collection of this beautiful houseplant. With the right materials and care, you can easily grow new plants from cuttings of an existing one.