Plant Cuttings

[Dave_31]

Is there a good way of taking cuttings from Cryptocoryne's and Amazon Swords?

Dave

 

[Lateral Line]

It is difficult to take "cuttings" from swords and crypts, rosette plants in general in fact. The reason is that the "meristem", the actual growing point of the plant in the middle of the crown beneath the rosette is very small. To divide an existing plant requires cutting through the rosette making sure there is a part of the meristem each side.

It is possible, with very sharp tools, some experience, and then, a deal of luck. When I've done this, I usually get 1 success per 5 attempts - usually the part with the meristem recovers completely so it is not a total disaster if it fails.

Crypts and swords when in conditions to their liking send runners at substrate level from which new plants develop. It is MUCH easier to propogate new plants this way then by dividing an existing rosette.