Yesterday I pulled a small salad box from the back of the shelves because I saw a Blue Mars blooming in it. I had watered it consistently but forgotten what was planted in the box (on 12/28.) Another Blue Mars in the box is almost ready to bloom. All together from the plants which grew from 1/2 of a leaf (the other is still in the box,) I was able to get about 17 baby streps. The other half should provide me that many also. Some are very tiny, but I know from experience they will all grow into adults. Blue Mars and Cherry Pie are the ones I always have propagating because they are so beautiful.
You don't have to wait 6 months to get plants, but this is what happened when they were left alone. Basically it is a no work no worry process. Try it!
propogating streps the easy way update
gloriag I'm glad that you posted again as I have a question for you. I put down some strep leaves exactly as you instructed a couple of days ago. In your instructions you said to put the leaves down and just wait a month or so. But do I need to open the boxes and mist or add water to the leaves at all over the next month or so? I used wet but not soaking perlite in plastic salad containers and I'm just wanting to know if I'll need to add water at anytime as these containers to not seal tight. Thanks for your help!
I agree with you that Blue Mars is a very beautiful strep I think I have one about to bloom. You must have had some tall containers in order for the streps to bloom from leaf in them! We'd love to see pictures!!
~Brenda
bmedel, yes you do need to open them now and then and stick your finger into the perlite and add water if it is dry. You shouldn't have to do this very often, but check now and then. Good luck! I think you will be pleased with the results.
Thank you gloriag! It seemed pretty obvious that I'd need to check the moisture level but being as I'm new to propagating I figure the more questions I ask the better chance I have of succeeding. I'll be sure and let you know.
MsC are you out there? I know you immediately put down a leaf with this method, has it been long enough to start peeking at it and looking for babies yet?
~Brenda