by Chuck Nishihira
Just out of curiosity the leaves of Marcgravia species brown were planted to see if they would root and grow. I regularly propagate this species by taking stem cuttings and root them in spagnum moss. It is a quick, easy, and reliable method. Not a single cutting was ever lost. While this species is not a rampant grower, the cuttings will root in a month and by the second month nice growth can be seen. On one of these propagating sessions, unsteady hands and poor eyesight led to some loose leaves. A little rooting hormone was placed on the cut end and these were just placed back on the sphagnum. They just sat there for months without doing anything, but at least they didn’t shrivel up. Fast forward some seven months and I have my first growth starting. Only one leaf is actually producing a growth. The others are still only producing what looks like a root.
So while not a quick way to multiply this plant, if you are like me and have a hard time throwing away parts of rare plants. This is another way to multiply this species. I don’t know if other Marcgravias will do the same, but I think I will give it a shot. Again, just out of curiosity.
