You can propagate Kalanchoe beharensis, also known as “Fang,” through stem cuttings or leaves. However, the most successful method is usually through stem cuttings.
To propagate Kalanchoe beharensis from stem cuttings, follow these steps:
1. Select a healthy and mature stem from the parent plant. Look for a stem that is firm and not too woody. It’s best to choose a stem that is at least 3-4 inches long.
2. Using a sharp and clean pair of garden shears or a knife, make a clean cut just below a leaf node. A leaf node is where a leaf attaches to the stem. This is where the new roots will develop.
3. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. This helps reduce moisture loss and allows the cutting to focus its energy on root development.
4. If desired, you can dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder or gel. This can help promote faster and more robust root growth, although it is not necessary.
5. Fill a small pot or container with a well-draining potting mix. You can use a mix specifically formulated for succulents or cacti, or create your own mix using equal parts of perlite, sand, and potting soil.
6. Make a small hole in the potting mix with your finger or a pencil, and gently place the cut end of the stem into the hole. Press the soil around the stem to secure it in place.
7. Water the cutting lightly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause the cutting to rot. Place the pot in a bright but indirect light location, as direct sunlight can scorch the cutting.
8. Keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid overwatering. Check the moisture level by inserting your finger into the soil to a depth of about an inch. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water again.
9. After a few weeks, you should start to see new roots forming from the leaf node. This is a sign that the cutting has successfully rooted. At this point, you can gradually reduce the frequency of watering and treat the plant as you would a mature Kalanchoe beharensis.
Propagation through leaf cuttings is also possible, although it may not be as reliable as stem cuttings. To propagate from leaf cuttings:
1. Select a healthy and mature leaf from the parent plant. Gently twist the leaf from the stem, ensuring that a small portion of the leaf base remains intact.
2. Allow the leaf cutting to dry and callus over for a day or two. This helps prevent rotting when planted in the soil.
3. Prepare a small pot or container with a well-draining potting mix, as mentioned earlier.
4. Place the leaf cutting on top of the potting mix, with the intact leaf base inserted slightly into the soil. You can also use a toothpick or similar object to hold the leaf in place if needed.
5. Water the soil lightly, and place the pot in a bright but indirect light location.
6. Mist the leaf cutting occasionally to provide some moisture, but be careful not to overwater.
7. After a few weeks to a couple of months, small plantlets may start to emerge from the leaf base. Once these plantlets have developed roots and are large enough, they can be carefully separated and potted into individual containers.
Remember that propagation success can vary, and it may take some time for the cuttings to establish and grow. Be patient and provide appropriate care for the new plants.
