The bat faced cuphea is a gorgeous little plant that deserves a spot in any garden. With its fuzzy, burgundy and green leaves and bright purple and white flowers, it provides a pop of color and texture Propagating bat faced cuphea is thankfully an easy process that even beginner gardeners can master In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to successfully propagate this beautiful plant.
Before jumping into propagation methods, let’s start with a quick overview of this eye-catching plant. The bat faced cuphea, scientifically named Cuphea llavea, is a flowering shrub in the Lythraceae family. It is native to Mexico and Central America. Some of its other common names include false heather, Elfin herb, and Mexican false heather.
The bat faced cuphea is named for its unique flowers that resemble little bats with spread “wings” when viewed from above. The tubular flowers have two upper petals that stick out like ears or wings. These bloom in a range of shades from deep purple to light lavender from spring to frost. Light green fuzzy foliage provides a nice contrast. The overall size is quite petite, reaching just 8-24 inches tall and wide.
This compact shrub thrives in zones 9-11 and does well in containers. It needs full sun exposure and moderately moist but well-drained soil. Once established, bat faced cuphea is drought tolerant. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowering. It has almost no serious pest or disease problems.
When and How to Propagate Bat Faced Cuphea
Bat faced cuphea can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. Let’s look at when and how to use each method.
Propagation by Seed
Growing bat faced cuphea from seed is a great option, Here are some tips for success
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Collect seeds in late summer or fall once seed pods dry and split open. Store in a paper envelope in a cool, dry spot over winter.
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In early spring sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost. Use a seed starting mix and keep the soil moist.
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Seeds need light to germinate. Keep them in a sunny spot or under grow lights. Germination takes 14-21 days at 65-75°F.
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Once seedlings have 2 sets of true leaves, transplant into individual containers with potting mix. Allow 6-8 weeks to grow before moving outdoors after danger of frost.
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Hardening off is important to transition seedlings to full sun and wind exposure. Move them outside for a few hours at a time over 7-10 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Taking cuttings from an existing bat faced cuphea plant is fast and easy. Follow these tips:
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Take 3-4 inch tip cuttings from new growth in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves and flowers.
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Dip the stem end in rooting hormone powder to spur root growth. Stick in moist potting mix or vermiculite.
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Keep the cuttings warm (65-75°F) and out of direct sun. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
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Roots should emerge in 2-4 weeks. Transplant into containers once cuttings are established.
Propagation by Division
Mature bat faced cuphea can be divided in spring. Here’s how:
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Carefully dig up the plant and shake off excess soil. Identify divided sections with their own small root systems.
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Use a sterile knife or pruning shears to separate into pieces, ensuring each has roots and some top growth.
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Replant divisions at the same level they were growing before and water well.
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Remove any flower buds the first year so plants establish strong roots and foliage instead.
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Divisions recover quickly. They should bloom the following year just like mature, undivided plants.
Caring for Bat Faced Cuphea
Once your new bat faced cuphea plants are growing, follow these care tips:
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Plant in well-draining soil enriched with some compost or organic material. Good drainage is essential.
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Site in full sun. These plants thrive on 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil dries out. Avoid overwatering.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season for abundant blooms.
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Prune lightly after flowering to shape plants and remove dead stems. Don’t cut back hard.
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Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Leave space around the base.
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Protect from hard freezes and frosts. Move potted plants indoors or use row covers.
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Propagate every 2-3 years to renew plants or take cuttings to expand your collection.
Common Questions about Propagating Bat Faced Cuphea
If you’re new to propagating plants, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about propagating bat faced cuphea specifically.
What’s the best method for beginners? Taking stem cuttings is the easiest propagation method for bat faced cuphea. It has a high success rate and doesn’t require special tools or skills.
How big should new plants be before moving to the garden? Allow seedlings or rooted cuttings to develop for 6-8 weeks after germinating or rooting until they have 2-3 sets of leaves. This gives them time to establish stronger root systems that support transitioning outdoors.
When is the ideal time to divide plants? Division is best done in early spring before new growth resumes. This gives divided sections the whole growing season to recover before going dormant for winter.
Should I use rooting hormone on bat faced cuphea cuttings? While not mandatory, rooting hormone does promote quicker rooting and a higher success rate overall with cuttings. It’s a good idea for beginners.
How long do cuttings take to root? In optimal warm, humid conditions, bat faced cuphea cuttings root in 2-4 weeks on average. Make sure to provide bottom heat around 70°F if possible.
Can I grow bat faced cuphea from a leaf cutting? No, bat faced cuphea cannot be propagated from just a leaf. Stem cuttings containing a leaf node are needed since that is where new roots will emerge.
Enjoying the Rewards of Propagation
Adding more bat faced cuphea to your garden, or starting some to share with gardening friends, is simple when you know the basics of propagation. Take your pick of seed, cutting, or division methods and you’ll be rewarded with more of these gorgeous, low-maintenance shrubs. No specialized tools or greenhouse required!
With a proper growing environment and consistent care, propagated bat faced cuphea will thrive both in the ground and in containers. Before you know it, you’ll have the pleasure of watching delicate new flowers flutter open on your homegrown plants.
The Division Dance
First, unpot your Cuphea with care, treating the roots like a treasure trove. Identify natural separations where the plant has self-organized into sections. Each new plant should have a fair share of roots and shoots. Slice through the soil with a clean, sharp tool, ensuring each division is viable. Replant each section at the same depth it was growing before to maintain its comfort zone. Finally, nurture your new Cuphea divisions in a spot with bright, indirect light—direct sun is their nemesis at this stage.
The Layering Process
- Select a Healthy Stem: Go for a stem thats robust, like the high school jock of the plant world. It should be from the current or previous seasons growth.
- Initial Cuts: With your knife, make an upward slanting cut about halfway through the stem. This prevents water from pooling and invites roots to the party.
- Apply Rooting Hormone: Not a must, but think of it as a root growth turbocharge.
- Moss Bed: Wrap that cut with damp sphagnum moss—its the plant equivalent of a cozy blanket.
- Plastic Wrap: Envelop the moss in plastic wrap to maintain humidity. Secure it, but dont suffocate it; roots need to breathe too.
- Patience: Roots should start showing up in about 6-10 weeks. When youve got a healthy root ball, its time to snip the stem below the roots.
- Potting: Plant your new Bat-faced Cuphea in a well-draining mix, and dont overwater. Treat it gently until it establishes itself.
Knowing when to separate the new plant is a bit like reading a teenagers mood—look for a good set of roots through the moss indicating its ready for independence. Then, give it its own space in a new pot.