The Corokia, better known as the Wire Netting Bush or Zigzag Bush, hails from New Zealand, where it can grow into a pretty impressive shrub. Over here, it stays much smaller, but it’s a total favorite for patios and sunrooms because it’s incredibly low-maintenance and just plain cool to look at. Plus, if you want more of them, you’re in luck—propagating this plant is a breeze!
How to Propagate Your Zigzag Bush
There are two main ways to get new plants from those funky, zigzagging branches: starting from seeds or taking cuttings. Here’s the breakdown on how to do both.
Growing from Seed
You can harvest seeds from a healthy “mother” plant or just pick up a packet at the store. If you go this route, pack a little patience—it takes a bit of time for these seeds to wake up and sprout.
The best time to start your seeds is in the spring, usually around May.
- Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for one to two days before planting.
- To help the seeds absorb water, give the outer shell a light scuff with a fine file or sandpaper first.
- Place the seeds on top of high-quality seed-starting mix.
- Cover them carefully with a layer of soil—these are “dark germinators,” meaning they need total darkness to sprout!
- Mist the soil with a spray bottle rather than pouring water on it so you don’t wash the seeds away.
- Cover the tray with plastic wrap to create a warm, humid mini-greenhouse.
- Lift the plastic every two days to let in fresh air and prevent mold.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Keep your seed tray in a bright spot with temperatures between 70°F and 73°F (21-23°C). As soon as you see sprouts, take the plastic off. Once the first real leaf appears, your little seedling is ready for its very own pot.
Growing from Cuttings
Spring is also the perfect time for this method, especially right after you’ve given your plant a little trim. Those leftover clippings make excellent cuttings!
- Choose healthy shoots that are about 4 to 8 inches long.
- Strip off the bottom leaves, leaving about four leaves at the very top.
- Cut the base of the stem at an angle.
- Poke the cuttings into seed-starting soil about an inch deep.
- Press the soil down firmly around the stem and mist the surface with water.
- Make sure the soil stays damp at all times.
- Place your cuttings in a bright spot, but keep them out of direct sunlight. They prefer a slightly cooler temp of around 60°F (15°C) to root.
- Once you see new leaves starting to grow, you’ll know they’ve rooted and are ready to move into their own permanent pots.
