Plant questions

Real questions from home gardeners, the kind people post with a worried photo, answered by GrowPls: what's likely going on, what to do about it, and when to worry.

Showing questions tagged #propagation · show all

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  monstera

  When should I move my rooted Monstera cutting from water to soil?

  Those roots look ready for soil now. Pot it up in a chunky, lightly moist mix and keep it evenly barely-damp while it adjusts.

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  strawberry

  Why do strawberry runners need to be removed from the mother plant?

  Strawberry runners are like little baby plants that steal energy from the mother plant. Remove most of them if you want bigger, better fruit, or let a few root if your goal is to make new plants.

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  snake plant

  Why did a different plant sprout in my snake plant pot?

  That extra plant is a “volunteer” that came from a bit of root, bulb, or seed in the potting mix, not from the snake plant. You can gently separate it into its own pot, or pull it out if you don’t want it.

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  snake plant

  How do I root a snake plant leaf cutting without roots?

  This is a snake plant leaf cutting. It can root, but it needs a clean cut, time to dry (callus), very well‑draining soil, and light watering. Roots usually take 4–8 weeks or more, not just one week.

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  peperomia

  How can I make my peperomia look fuller and healthier?

  The plant is healthy but very leggy, which usually means it isn’t getting quite enough light and needs a haircut. Move it to a brighter spot with indirect sun and prune the long, bare stems so it can grow back compact and bushy.

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  century plant (agave)

  Is this root rot on my century plant pups and can I still save them?

  The dark, mushy tissue at the base does look like rot, likely from staying too wet, and the pups didn’t have time to grow strong roots. Cut back to firm, healthy tissue, let the pieces dry and callus, then replant in very well‑draining soil and keep almost dry until new roots form.

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  Abutilon (flowering maple / Chinese lantern)

  What is this hardy yellow shrub with hanging bell flowers?

  This looks like an Abutilon shrub (often called flowering maple or Chinese lantern). Take semi‑ripe cuttings from non‑flowering shoots in warmer months, keep them humid but well‑drained, and they should root much better.

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