Like many succulents, Jade plant is easy to propagate. Their leaves store a lot of water, which allows them to survive longer without roots than plants with thinner leaves. In this blog post, I will answer all your questions about eucalyptus propagation with examples of rooting leaves, stems, and woody stems.
Jade Cuttings
If you’re looking into propagating jade plants, you either own someone’s offshoot or plan to get some. If you need more information than listed below, read my article on pruning eucalyptus for step-by-step instructions.
Jade cuttings from a recent pruning (leaves, stems, and woody stems).
How to Propagate Jade Plant Leaves
You can propagate new Jade Plant with single leaves. Ideally, you want the entire leaf, including the small round part that attaches to the stem. If it breaks, you can still multiply the hand, but your chances of success may be reduced.
How to Propagate Jade Plant Stems
Jade plant can also be propagated by stems. When you prune, be sure to cut at a knot, the thin thread that wraps around the stem. You can also cut where the stem connects to another stem or trunk, which means you can remove the stem completely. This will still work if you snap off the stem instead of cutting it off on purpose. If possible, it’s best to trim off the broken end to make it clean and smooth. Clean cuts are more resistant to disease.
How to Propagate Woody Stems
When Jade plants mature, their stems start to turn woody or brown. This is healthy growth. In effect, this is how your plant grows stronger to support the weight of the new growth. You can propagate woody stems just like regular stems. Cut off at nodes or backbone connections.
Make jade ruthless
The open wound of a jade incision must be dry and callused. This usually takes a few days. Allowing the wound to dry minimizes contact with bacteria and fungi in the breeding medium. If your cuttings are resistant to bacteria or fungi, the chances of successful propagation are lowered.
Dip Jade Plant in Rooting Hormone
Next, you’ll dip the jade strips into a rooting hormone. Even if your growth rate is moderate, one can will likely last you a lifetime. I think I’ve been using the same glass for eight years. If not, can you multiply? Yes, but it’s an inexpensive way to improve your chances of success. This particular rooting hormone uses indole-3-butyric acid, similar to naturally occurring rooting hormones.
How to use rooting hormone
Moisten the end once the jade cut callus has hardened. Dip the wet end in rooting hormone and shake off the excess. I like to dump some of them in a pile and soak. Some dive directly into the tank. It seems to me that the whole glass could be contaminated with bacteria or fungus if this is done.
Which medium should you use for Propagation?
Jade Plant Propagation in water
To root eucalyptus in water, you need a clean container in which to hold the cuttings. I prefer a clear pot so I can monitor the cut and see when roots are forming. Only the tips of the leaves or stems should be submerged in water. If more stems or leaves come into contact with water, there is a risk of disease. I used some bamboo skewers to hold the cuttings in place. A flat plate may be more suitable for you. It’s a good idea to refresh the water every few days. You should because some of the water will evaporate, but algae may also grow.
Jade propagation in soil
You can also root jade plants in the ground. Potting soil mixed with perlite or some coarse sand works well. Potting soil can do its job on its own, but it’s usually designed to retain moisture, so you need to be aware of this and monitor your cutting. Place leaf or stem cuttings in the ground or underground and allow them to root. This method allows you to see when roots are forming.
You can also bury the cuttings about an inch deep in the ground. I recommend using stem cuttings only and not leaves. This can make your leaves prone to rot. Also make sure the leaves of the stem are not buried in the soil. If you have large cuttings like I do, it can be difficult to get them upright and only 1″ deep. You can also try propping them up with bamboo skewers. I tend to lay them flat because that’s too unstable for me.
How to care for jade cuttings during Propagation
Water Propagation care
If you are watering your eucalyptus, I recommend changing the water every three to four days. This prevents algae from forming and keeps your incision exposed to water. Jade roots are very resilient, however, once roots have formed, careful water changes are recommended.
Soil Propagation Care
For eucalyptus that reproduces in the ground, it is best to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. I know that sounds harsh. I think the best way is to moisten the soil with a spray bottle. If kept moist, you will most likely need to spray it every day or every other day. If your soil is not dry the next day, you may have left it too wet and that could be the cause of it
