How to take streptocarpus leaf cuttings

You will need

Plastic pots
Seed/cuttings compost
Knife
Plant
Scissors

Do it: June - July

Takes just: 20 minutes to take the cuttings

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Overview

Streptocarpus is easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. Summer is the best time to do it, as plant cells divide quickly, promoting growth.

You don't need a lot of kit - just a pot filled with sieved compost, a plastic bag, a piece of string and a good sharp knife.

How to do it

1Select a young, healthy looking, medium-sized leaf. Remove it from the main crown of the plant using scissors or a sharp knife.

2Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the leaf into three or four sections. Fill a pot or seed tray with seed and cuttings compost, or mix multi-purpose compost with perlite to aid drainage.

3Insert the leaf cuttings into the compost. Make sure you keep the leaf sections the right way up or they won't root.

4Water the cuttings well, then cover with a plastic bag, securing it with a piece of string or twine.

5Keep the cuttings in a light, warm place. Baby plants will develop from the base of each leaf after six to eight weeks. After 10 weeks, carefully remove each plantlet and pot it on individually.