How to Propagate Moses In Cradle - Plant Propagation Guide
Moses-in-the-cradle plants can be propagated through seeds, root division, or stem cuttings. Cutting stems or dividing the roots is the simplest method for multiplying a Moses plant. Another possibility is that an established plant develops side shoots that can be cut off and replanted.
How to Propagate Moses in Cradle
Propagating a Moses in the Cradle Plant by Plant Division
- The root ball should be taken out of the pot, and any soil that was still attached should be gently brushed or washed away.
- Any small new growth (or pups) you notice sprouting around the edges should be carefully untangled and taken out.
- Put the puppies in their own pots and make sure they get plenty of water.
Never use a sharp object to cut the root ball apart; instead, remove the plant from the pot and gently separate the root ball into sections. Plant the sections in tiny pots that are a few inches bigger than the fresh root balls; make sure the pots have drip holes in the bottom. When planting new Moses In Cradle, if at all possible, use the same soil mixture.
Propagate a Moses in the Cradle Plant by Stem Cuttings
- Snip a section of stem that is 4 to 6 inches long with many leaves still attached.
- Cut off the lowest node (a tiny bump where new growth appears) and the very bottom leaves.
- Place the prepared stem in some moist soil or a water jar.
- Make sure the stem is in a warm, humid environment. Within 4 weeks, you ought to start noticing roots. After that, plant the new seedlings in separate pots. And that's it!
Use a sharp, clean scissors, razor blade, or knife to cut a 4"-6" piece of stem from the end of a healthy stem just below a leaf node. The little bump where a leaf attaches to the stem is known as a node. The bottom one-third of the stem must be completely leafless. Dip the cut end of the stem into a small amount of Fungicide-infused rooting hormone Try to recall which is the cutting's top and which is its bottom. Plant the stem cutting in a 4" pot of moist, loose potting soil (bottom must have drip holes). To increase humidity and aid in maintaining the soil's moisture, cover the pot with clear plastic. Every few days, make sure the soil is still moist by inspecting it. After a few weeks, pull on the newly planted cuttings; if there is resistance, roots have formed, the plastic can be removed, and the propagation was successful.
Seed Propagation
The seeds from the dried-up flowers can also be used to start new moses in the cradle Boat plants. Holding the flowers over a tiny pot of loose, wet soil, gently press the flowers between your fingers to release the seeds, which will then fall into the soil.
After Moses in Cradle Propagation
Light
The oyster plant requires six to eight hours of bright indirect light each day to bloom. However, it won't flower and its typically purple undersides will retain more of a green color. It can still grow in low light, it just won't produce flowers. The boat lily plant is ideal for a low-light bathroom setting because it also prefers high humidity if you're more interested in its beautiful leaves than flowers.
The moses plant needs very bright light, but it can't stand direct sunlight because it can burn its leaves. For bright indirect light throughout the day, put it close to a window that faces east or west.
If this is not feasible, three to five feet away from a south-facing window will also work because direct sunlight enters but there is enough space to prevent scorching. For some shade, you can also put it in a north-facing window.
Water
How can you tell when your tradescantia plants need to be watered? Simple: just bury your finger in the ground about an inch or two. Time to grab your watering can if it's dry. But don't water for a while if the potting soil is wet.
Think about using a terracotta pot, which helps water soak up and drain more quickly. While we're talking about your pot, make sure it has sufficient drainage holes to prevent water from collecting at the bottom and leading to root rot.
When you water Tradescantia spathacea, make sure you give it enough to soak the soil completely every time. By doing this, you can give it more water less frequently, benefiting both its health and your schedule.).
Instead of tap water, I prefer distilled, filtered, or rainwater (capturing it can be a lot of fun). This prevents the growth of harmful salts and minerals in the soil and prevents foliage discoloration.
Temperature and Humidity
The boat lily prefers the same indoor climate that you probably do. It can survive above 55 degrees, but it prefers temperatures between 65 and 80. In USDA Zones 9 to 11, the cradle plant flourishes.
Your plant's chances of flowering increase with the amount of humidity in the area. However, maintaining your home at this level of humidity may not be practical or comfortable. Humidity levels of 60% to 70% and warm room temperatures promote higher flowering rates. Even in 40% humidity, your Moses plant will flourish.
The best ways to increase the humidity around moses-in-the-basket include:
- Placing it close to a humidifier
- Misting it every two or three days
- Putting it on a tray with ornamental stones and water
- Positioning it near other plants so they can share humidity
Soil and Planting
Moses in the basket needs a light, well-draining soil mixture that can hold moisture without becoming soggy. To create the ideal potting soil ratio, you can use
- 33% potting soil
- 33% perlite
- 33% peat moss
This mixture provides your plant with enough nutrients to thrive without adding extra weight to the potting mix. Additionally, you can use sand mixed with organic material like coco coir, bark mulch, compost, or even coffee grounds.
The potting medium density is ideal as long as water permeates freely and doesn't collect at the top.
Fertilizing
You should feed Tradescantia spathacea once per month in the spring and summer to ensure healthy growth because it grows fairly quickly. Utilize a balanced, water-soluble indoor plant fertilizer at half strength.
When the plant is actively growing, avoid fertilizing more frequently than once per month or using a full-strength fertilizer as this can result in an unhealthy buildup of minerals in the soil.
Cradle plants grow quickly, so to keep them from becoming root-bound, you'll need to repot them every year or two. Use a plant pot that is one size larger than the one your plant is currently in.
Pruning
You don't have to prune your plant to make it bushier, but you can. (Whenever possible, remove dead and dying leaves so that your plant can concentrate its energy on the healthy ones. If you do decide to prune, pinch off the growing tips of the leaves to promote outward growth rather than upward growth.
In order to keep the plant healthy, take care not to remove more than 10% of it at once.
Final Words
Moses in the cradle can be multiplied through seed, stem cuttings, or root division. The tiny seeds that develop inside your plant's dried-out flowers can be planted.
I personally find the root division method to be the simplest for those without dried flowers, though the stem-cutting technique is also quick and easy. To prevent skin irritation when handling your plant, make sure to wear gloves.