The Baobab tree is a stunning exotic plant that makes a fantastic addition to any indoor garden. Often given as a “good luck” gift, these unique succulents are actually surprisingly easy to propagate from cuttings. Here’s how you can grow your own little Baobab family!
Propagating from Prunings
Since Baobabs aren’t exactly speed demons when it comes to growing in pots, you won’t need to prune them very often. But if your plant is due for a trim, don’t let those clippings go to waste! It’s the perfect opportunity to start some new babies.
When picking your cuttings, look for stems that aren’t too woody yet. Aim for pieces about 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Preparing Your Cuttings
To give your cuttings the best start, use a sharp, clean knife to make a slight diagonal cut at the base. Strip off most of the leaves, leaving just about three at the very tip. Now, here is the most important tip: don’t plant them right away! If you stick them in soil immediately, they’re likely to rot.
Instead, let the cuttings sit in a dry spot for a few days so the cut end can “callus” over. This simple step is a lifesaver for preventing diseases that could kill off your new plant before it even starts.
Potting Your New Plant
Once the cut ends have dried out for a few days, you’re ready to plant. For the soil, you’ll want a well-draining mix—a blend of cactus soil and seed-starting mix works great. I like to mix in a little extra sand as a mineral component; it keeps the soil nice and airy, which really helps those new roots take off.
Bury the cutting about two-thirds of the way into the soil and gently press down to secure it. Give it a little water to settle things in. Because the leaves lose moisture quickly in the beginning, it’s a good idea to create a little “greenhouse effect.” You can place a glass jar over the cutting or put the pots in a seed tray with a clear lid. Just make sure to lift the cover and let some fresh air in every day. If it gets too humid, you might deal with mold, which is definitely not the “good luck” we’re looking for!
