Propagation is the crucial step in the growing process of Plectranthus. So, understanding which propagation method is ideal for which type of Plectranthus is essential. If you are already familiar with Plectranthus, you must know its different growth habits.
Plectranthus consists of several species—about 85! Each species has unique features and growth habits but is similar regarding leaf shape.
What is the Purpose of this Guide
Beyond to Plectranthus and its growing process, we will explore how the growth habits of different species in the Plectranthus genus affect propagation methods.
This is important to understand because it directly affects their propagation, i.e., how they grow from seeds or cuttings. Species from the Plectranthus genus may have different growth habits, such as trailing types that naturally grow from roots, for which the layering method is appropriate. On the other hand, upright species that do not grow naturally from roots but from a cut stem are best propagated using the cutting method.
What is the Mean Growth Habit in Plectranthus?
Growth habits refer to the natural way a plant grows, spreads, and develops based on its structure and growth direction. Plectranthus species have several growth habits due to different environmental and genetic factors. Five primary growth habits interact directly with the propagation process. Discover how environmental factors affect plant growth traits.
- Trailing Growth: Trailing Plectranthus species such as Plectranthus oertendahlii spread their stems along the ground, often producing roots from the nodes.
- Spreading Growth: Spreading Plectranthus (Plectranthus verticillatus) species form small bushes that spread out, producing new shoots and growth points along the ground.
- Climbing Growth: Climbing Plectranthus species use supports to grow upward; for example, Plectranthus parviflorus adjust stems and produce roots from surrounding surfaces.
- Bushy Growth: Plectranthus species with bushy growth, like Plectranthus forbesii, develop dense, compact structures with thick and abundant foliage.
- Upright Growth: Plectranthus species with upright growth grow tall and straight, with fewer branches near the base, such as Plectranthus amboinicus.
A plant’s growth habit is determined by its genetic makeup, environmental factors, and growth patterns. For instance, trailing species naturally spread along the ground to maximize sunlight exposure, while upright species grow taller to reach light.
Explore 10 reasons why your plants aren’t thriving in their environment.
Note for Gardeners: Why should you choose the propagation method according to growth habits?
Each species has its own primary growth habit, which is usually consistent. Sometimes, growth habits may overlap, particularly when plants are affected by care or environmental factors. When it comes time to propagate, we always consider the original growth habit. The overlap occurs because if the plant is not given enough space or proper care, its growth habit may change slightly. For example, a trailing plant may spread out if given too much space, or an upright plant may appear to spread out if not pruned.
Quick Mind Map: Which Method is for Species with Which Growth Habit
By the way, stem cutting is considered an applicable and general method for plectranthus species. Besides, we can use alternative methods based on their growth habit. Let’s explore a quick guide to understanding propagation methods for each growth habitat species.
But recommended are;
- Trailing, Spreading and Climbing➔layering or cuttings
- Bushy and Upright➔Only Stemm Cutting
Propagation Methods for Trailing Species
Why it works: Trailing plants grow along the ground naturally, and their nodes (the points where leaves grow) form roots quickly when they touch the soil.
- Layering: Simple Layering & Mound Layering
- Stem Cuttings: Softwood Cutting
Propagation Methods for Spreading Species
Why it works: Spreading plants grow outward, forming clusters or mats that naturally lend themselves to being split or cut for propagation.
- Division: Clump Division
- Stem Cuttings: Semi-hardwood Cutting
Propagation Methods for Climbing Species
Why it works: Climbing plants have stems that love to grab onto surfaces, and their nodes are designed to grow roots when they find support.
- Layering: Air Layering
- Stem Cuttings: Sem-hardwood Cutting
Propagation Methods for Bushy Species
Why it works: Bushy plants grow compact and upright, so their stems don’t touch the ground. This makes layering or division difficult, leaving stem cuttings as the best method.
- Stem Cuttings: Softwood Cutting
Propagation Methods for Upright Species
Why it works: Upright plants grow straight and tall, with rigid stems that aren’t flexible for layering or division. Stem cuttings are the most practical method for these plants.
- Stem Cuttings: Softwood Cutting
How Growth Habit Influences Root Development
The root development of Plectranthus plants depends on their growth habit. If you have a trailing type of Plectranthus, it will grow its roots from the places where its stem touches the ground. This means these plants are easy to root, and the method of layering or cutting for its propagation is more effective.
But if you have an upright or bush type of Plectranthus, its roots are more circular and central. These plants grow their roots deep into the ground, so stem cutting is more effective when propagating them.
Choosing the Right Propagation Method Is Crucial!
When propagating Plectranthus, it is vital to understand its growth habit using the suited method. The layering method will be better if your Plectranthus is a trailing type. You place your stem in the ground and let it grow roots. When the roots are established, you separate them. This method is effortless for plants that naturally root from nodes.
Stem cuttings are a better option regarding straight or bushy types of Plectranthus but provide the ideal environment cuttings. You cut off a healthy stem from your plant and plant it in new soil. This method may take a little time, but it helps the plant develop a deep root system.
So, if you understand your Plectranthus’s growth habit, you can choose the suitable propagation method and the right materials for each process. You will get better results, and your plant will grow faster.
Final Thoughts: How Growth Habits Affect Propagation Process
This approach works wonders for your plectranthus plants such as Mexican Mint and Swedish Ivy. Just recognize their growth habits and propagate accordingly. I hope you have found the growth habits of plectranthus and their effect on the propagation process.
Growth habits do not affect the propagation process in the case of Plectranthus but also directly stimulate all plants that require propagation. So, applying this strategy to all propagated plants is ideal for successful growth.
