Alstroemeria commonly known as Peruvian Lilies are absolutely stunning blooms that can brighten up any garden. Their showy flowers come in a diverse range of colors like pink, purple, yellow, orange, red and white. I’ve always dreamed of having a thriving patch of these beauties in my own garden.
If you also love alstroemerias and want to propagate them, growing from cuttings is an easy and inexpensive way In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the complete process of propagating alstroemeria from cuttings Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Here are the supplies you’ll need to get started:
- A healthy parent alstroemeria plant
- Sharp, clean pruners or scissors
- Sterilized pruning shears (rubbing alcohol or bleach solution)
- Rooting hormone (optional but speeds up rooting)
- Small pots or trays
- Potting mix
- Clear plastic bags
- Bamboo sticks or plant supports
- Water spray bottle
Make sure to sterilize all your tools and supplies to prevent disease transmission. Now we’re ready to take cuttings from the parent plant.
Selecting the Cuttings
When selecting cuttings, choose stems that are 3 to 6 inches long and have healthy leaves. Look for stems that are plump, flexible, and have a greenish color without signs of disease or damage.
The best time to take cuttings is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. I avoid taking cuttings in extreme weather or when the plant is stressed.
Preparing the Cutting
Follow these simple steps to prepare the cutting:
- Use your sterile pruners to cut below a node at a 45 degree angle. Nodes are points on the stem where leaves emerge.
- Remove the lowest leaves and buds from the cutting, keeping a few leaves at the top.
- Optional: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to spur quicker root growth.
- Fill your pot/tray with moist potting mix. Make holes for each cutting.
- Gently place each cutting in a hole, ensuring the node is buried. Firm the mix around it.
Providing the Right Conditions
To help your cuttings root successfully, provide the right environmental conditions:
- Place the potted cuttings in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct hot sunlight.
- Maintain a temperature of 65-75°F which is ideal for rooting.
- Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy wet. Poor drainage can cause rotting.
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Make sure the bag isn’t touching the leaves.
- Ventilate the bag for a few hours daily to allow air circulation and prevent mold.
Rooting and Care
Depending on the conditions, alstroemeria cuttings can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks to root. To check for rooting, gently tug on the cutting to feel for resistance. If it feels firmly anchored, it means roots have developed.
Here are some care tips:
- Remove the plastic bag once roots have formed. Gradually introduce to outdoor conditions.
- Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Proper moisture is key for establishment.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced 10-10-10 or slow release fertilizer to encourage growth.
- Monitor for pests like aphids and diseases. Treat any problems immediately.
- Transplant into the garden 6-8 weeks after rooting when new top growth is visible.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are solutions to some potential propagation problems:
Cuttings wilting: Increase air circulation, mist more frequently and ensure optimal temperature and humidity.
Poor rooting: Take fresh cuttings, use rooting hormone and maintain warm temperature. Old or thick cuttings are harder to root.
Rotting stems: Allow potting mix to dry out between waterings. Remove any diseased cuttings immediately to prevent spread.
Slow growth: Move to a sunnier location. Fertilize regularly and pinch off any dead or yellowing leaves.
Leggy growth: Provide brighter light conditions to encourage bushy, compact growth habit.
Final Tips for Success
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Take plenty of cuttings to increase your chances of propagation success. Not all cuttings root easily.
- Patience is key! It takes diligent care over weeks before you’ll see results.
- Start cuttings in small pots. Repot into larger containers before transplanting outside.
- Hardening off is crucial for garden success. Gradually introduce to outdoor conditions over 7-14 days.
Propagating Alstroemeria by Root Division – a Detailed Guide, with Results
FAQ
Can you take cuttings from alstroemeria?
Harvesting flowers
Alstroemerias make particularly long-lived cut flowers, staying fresh for a couple of weeks in a vase: To pick, grasp the stem gently, low down and pull upwards – a quick tug. This severs the stem below ground and stimulates another bud, so you get another flush of blooms.
How do you multiply alstroemeria?
Alstroemerias are clump forming and the tubers will multiply and spread over time. You can lift and divide the plant every couple of years to reduce congestion – and give yourself more plants for the garden.
When can you divide alstroemeria?
Divide alstroemerias in early spring. Alstroemerias have fleshy tuber-like roots which can damage easily, so lift and handle with care, dividing the clump up into several pieces and replanting immediately into soil that has been improved with organic matter.
How do you care for cut alstroemeria flowers?
So display your fresh cut Alstroemeria in a cool area, out of direct sunlight and away from drafts and heat. Remove spent leaves to keep bouquet looking fresh longer. Alstroemeria flowers drink a lot of water, so it is important to check the vase is full daily.