Currently, search ways to get plants without spending money It has become a common practice for gardening enthusiasts. The economic crisis and the desire to practice more sustainable gardening have led many to turn to alternative methods to multiply your plants without affecting your wallet. In addition to saving, grow and propagate plants for free It encourages creativity and respect for the natural cycle of plant species, bringing us closer to ecological and responsible practices.
How to get free or low-cost plants?
There are several simple and effective options for multiplying your plants, often at no cost:
- Mata Division
- Sowing by seeds
- Multiplication by cuttings
- Utilization of offspring
Plant division: multiply your plants in seconds
La kill division It is one of the fastest and safest methods to get new plants from specimens you already have. You simply have to remove the plant from the pot in spring or autumn. With a sharp knife and previously disinfected, separate a portion containing roots and leaves. Plant each portion in a new substrate with good drainage and place in semi-shade. It is important water thoroughly the first few days and protect the new plants from the wind.
This technique is ideal for plants such as Aspidistra (parlor leaves), Agapanthus, Gazania, Papyrus, Clivia, Verbena, ferns and many others that produce basal shoots or dense clumps. In the case of perennial flowers that have grown too large, division rejuvenates the parent plant while generating new plantlets ready to thrive in other pots or the garden.
Sowing by seed: the most economical and ecological way
Multiply plants from seeds It allows you to obtain a large number of specimens at a minimal cost. You can purchase bags of seeds at a low price, or take advantage of those you collect directly from Fruits and vegetables from your kitchen. For example, melon, pepper, and tomato seeds can be collected from ripe fruit by following a few simple steps: clean the seeds, let them dry, and store them in a cool, dark place until planting.
To sow, use recyclable containers such as yogurt pots, flower pots, or trays. The substrate should be new and well-draining. Some seeds, such as melon seeds, require a period of chilling in the refrigerator before planting to simulate winter. Place the seedbed in semi-shade or full sun, depending on the species, and keep the substrate moist. You can create a mini-greenhouse with a plastic bag or glass to promote germination.
Don't forget that many ornamental plants and almost all flowering flowers produce easily identifiable seeds when they mature: you just need to collect them, clean them, and sow them at the right time.
How to get free plants from cuttings
The rooting of cuttings It's a simple and effective method. It involves cutting a section of stem (between 10 and 15 centimeters) from a healthy plant, preferably from new, active areas. Remove the lower leaves and eliminate flowers, as they rob root development of energy.
There are two ways to root cuttings:
- In water: Place the cuttings in a container with clean water, changing it every two days. Species such as pothos, coleus, dracaena, alocasia, peace lily, begonia, and ivy develop roots easily using this method. Place the container in a warm, bright location (but not in direct sunlight) and wait for the roots to reach 2-5 cm before transplanting into the ground.
- In substrate: Woody or semi-woody cuttings (such as fig, holly, roses, maples, sweetgum, rosemary) should be soaked in rooting hormones before planting in moist, light soil. Some cuttings respond well to misting, and they should be protected from the sun and wind for the first few days.
For indoor plants with soft stems, take cuttings above a node (preferably two or three), place them in water, and transplant when they have enough roots. This way, you can easily propagate iresin, cleo, or basil, which can even last longer and generate new plants simply by placing them in a glass of water.
Take advantage of offshoots and baby plants
Some species such as ribbons or spider plants (Chlorophytum sp.) produce naturally young or "baby plants" at the ends of their stems. When you see that these offspring have several leaves and roots, you can carefully cut them and plant them directly in a new pot. This way, a single mother plant can produce several new ones each year.
Division, propagation by cuttings, sowing by seed, and harvesting offshoots are effective and simple methods for obtaining plants for free and in an environmentally friendly way. In addition to filling our homes and gardens with life and color, these techniques encourage responsible care of the environment. and help you share the joy of gardening with family and friends. There's no excuse not to fill your home with plants without spending a fortune!
Image – UNCOMO, Gardening Guide, Science of Cuba, My Garden
More information - Plants that reproduce by suckers
