The African Hemp (or Room Linden) is a total breeze to care for, so it’s no surprise that so many plant parents want to try their hand at taking cuttings. If you’re looking to expand your indoor jungle, here’s the lowdown on how to successfully propagate your plant.
Taking Your Cuttings
First things first: always grab a clean, sharp pair of shears or a knife before you start snipping. A dull blade can crush the stems, and a dirty one can spread nasty diseases. Aim for cuttings that are about 6 inches long. Pro tip: try to take your cuttings from shoots that have already flowered. This gives your new little plant a much better chance of blooming down the road!
Prepping and Rooting
Once you’ve got your cutting, strip off any leaves near the bottom where you made the cut. You’ll also want to trim the remaining large leaves back by about a third. I know it feels a little weird to cut healthy leaves, but it actually helps the plant focus its energy on growing roots rather than trying to keep those big leaves hydrated.
Now, it’s time to get those roots growing! You can simply pop your cuttings into a glass of fresh water—just make sure to change the water every few days. If you prefer, you can also plant them directly into soil. If you go the soil route, keep the dirt consistently moist but be careful not to let it get soggy. Find a bright spot for your new babies, but keep them out of direct, scorching sun. Too little light might cause the plant to drop its leaves, while too much direct sun can actually scorch them brown.
A Great Alternative to Pruning
These plants can get pretty massive, and eventually, they might just outgrow your living room. While they handle a heavy pruning just fine, it can sometimes leave the plant looking a bit awkward. That’s why it’s a smart move to start propagating early on. That way, you’ll always have a fresh, perfectly sized plant ready to take center stage.
Quick Summary: Propagating Your Room Linden
- Always use clean, sharp tools for every cut.
- Aim for cuttings around 6 inches long.
- Take cuttings from flowering shoots for best results.
- Trim back large leaves and clear the bottom of the stem.
- Root your cuttings in either water or moist soil.
- Pick a bright spot away from direct sunlight.
- Use propagation as a way to manage the plant’s size.
