How to Propagate African Spear Plant – Propogation Made Easy

The African spear plant also known by its scientific name Dracaena cylindrica, is an easy to grow and care for houseplant. With its long cylindrical green leaves, the African spear brings an exotic, tropical look to any indoor space. Even better, this plant is very easy to propagate, allowing you to make more plants to share or expand your own collection. In this article, I’ll explain exactly how to propagate your African spear plant through division or leaf cuttings.

Overview of the African Spear Plant

Native to Angola and South Africa the African spear plant is a type of succulent in the Dracaena genus. It grows long thick, green leaves in a rosette shape. The leaves emerge from a central stalk and can reach up to 6 feet tall in mature plants.

This plant is very easy to care for, requiring little watering and thriving in low light conditions. The African spear plant filters toxins from indoor air, helping purify the environment. It’s an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for a low maintenance houseplant.

When to Propagate Your African Spear Plant

The best time to propagate an African spear plant is during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing. Avoid propagating in fall or winter when growth has slowed down.

Plan to take your propagations in early to mid spring before the plant goes dormant for winter This gives the new plants plenty of time to develop strong root systems before cooler weather arrives

How to Propagate by Division

Dividing an African spear plant is a simple and effective propagation method. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Supplies Needed

• African spear plant that is at least 2 years old
• Sharp, clean knife or garden shears
• Small pots or containers
• Potting mix

Step 1

Remove the plant from its pot and loosen the root ball. You may need to gently squeeze or massage the sides of the root ball to loosen it.

Step 2

Use your hands to divide the root ball into smaller sections. Each division should have 3-5 leaves and plenty of healthy roots attached.

Step 3

Prepare your pots by filling them most of the way with potting mix. Create a well in the center.

Step 4

Place each divided section into its own pot, positioning it in the center. Fill in around the roots with more potting mix, firming it down gently.

Step 5

Water well to settle the soil. Place your new potted divisions in bright, indirect light while they establish.

Step 6

Wait about 2 weeks before resuming normal watering habits. In a few months, the new divisions will develop into full plants!

How to Propagate African Spear Plants by Leaf Cuttings

You can also propagate new African spear plants by taking leaf cuttings. Here’s how:

Supplies Needed

• Healthy African spear plant
• Sharp, clean knife or scissors
• Small pots or containers
• Potting mix

Step 1

Select a healthy leaf toward the center of the plant. Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to cut the leaf off close to the base.

Step 2

Trim the leaf to around 4 inches long. Remove any remaining stem so you just have the leaf blade.

Step 3

Allow the cut end to dry or callous over for 1-2 days. This prevents rotting.

Step 4

Fill your small pots with potting mix, moistening it slightly. Make a hole and insert the leaf cutting about 1 inch deep into the soil.

Step 5

Place the pot somewhere warm and bright but out of direct sunlight. Light is important for new growth but direct sun will scorch the leaf.

Step 6

Maintain moist soil, watering when the top inch becomes dry. New roots and shoots should emerge in 4-8 weeks.

Caring for New Propagations

Once your new African spear plants have developed roots and some initial growth, follow these tips to keep them thriving:

• Water when soil is partly dry, allowing it to completely dry between waterings.

• Place in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct hot sun which can scorch leaves.

• Repot into larger containers as the plants grow. Use cactus/succulent soil mix.

• Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

• Propagated plants can be replanted outdoors after any danger of frost has passed.

• Monitor for pests like mealybugs and treat promptly if found.

The Joys of Propagating Your Own Plants

Learning how to propagate African spear plants is extremely rewarding. In no time at all, you can create multiples of this exotic indoor plant to expand your collection or share with fellow plant lovers.

Propagation via division or leaf cuttings is easy and fun. Plus, growing plants from cuttings or divisions saves money since you don’t have to buy new plants.

Growing your own African spear plant propagations guarantees robust, healthy plants perfectly suited to your growing conditions. Have fun dividing and sharing this incredible plant!