TIPS ‘N’ TRICKS

If you are a person like me who is good at killing house plants but still loves to have some, then I have a great idea for you! Get yourself some water plants! I know, you must be looking at the plant in a bottle on your office table that has been there for six years now and has only three leaves that are almost dead and it is just the stalk with few fragile roots. Actually, if we just keep few things in mind while getting water plants, we can all enjoy lush greenery indoor.

I have learned two things about growing water plants: you must know how to take the cutting, and what plants to select. And all you have to do is get a nice upcycled bottle, preferably a glass bottle, but a plastic bottle will also work just fine. Water that will be used to grow the plant must be river water (tap water). Hard water or chemically filtered water shouldn’t be used at any cost unless you want the plant to die.

Now, let’s dive into few technical things …

* When you take the cutting make sure you cut the stem just below the node or leaf. That is the growing point in the cutting, if you cut just above the node, you will notice that the stem dies back to where the next node begins.

* Make the cutting about the size of a pencil or 20 cm.

* Once you have placed the cutting in the water make sure you put it in a well lit position, but not direct sunlight. Cut off most of the leaves, this is because leaving only three leaves, assists the plants in its initial shock.

* Change the water every three to five days to keep it fresh, and while doing this look for any pests that may have been unnoticed on the cutting. Within a few weeks you will notice the roots start to develop and the cutting starting to stretch out and new leaves emerging.

* Once the roots have developed you need only top up the water as necessary. If the water container is in direct sunlight you may need to watch out for algae developing. If this occurs then replace the water every three to five days and move the bottle out of direct sunlight.

* Once the cutting has developed additional roots and leaves you will need to consider fertilizing. A water-soluble fertilizer is needed! They are not pricey at all and you only have to stir that into the water and your plants will grow healthy and glowing leaves for you to admire.

Some plants that tend to do well from cuttings

Syngonium (also known as arrowhead) Philodendron African violets Devil’s ivy or pothos (locally, known as money plant) Jade plants Fiddle leaf figs Rubber trees Dwarf umbrella plants Coleus Vegetables and herbs: mint, onions, garlic, lettuce and fennel.