Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I wanted to make some leaf cuttings of my Dionaea. Spring came early this year in Mexico (although perhaps I should say we didn't have winter at all) and I want to propagate my plants. How long should I wait until the leaf develops a whole plant to take it outdoors (I'm thinking of putting those leaf cuttings indoors with 52-watt cool white tubes)?

The plants where growing all year under roughly 9 hours of direct sun, but didn't seem to have gone dormant this year...

Thanks!!!!!

ANSWER: Hi Alonso,

The main thing you want to have is a fully developed root system.  You just have to use your judgement on that since the plants can be of different sizes with their leaves as the roots develop.  Also, give the plants some transition time in dappled light or under shade-cloth outdoor before going to full sun if they've been under lights.  If your weather is humid that will help too.  You want them to harden off some.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: OK, but I still want to know roughly a time period. In average, what is the longest time period for them to develop a strong root system?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Alonso,

Depending on your growing conditions it usually takes between two and three months for cuttings to strike and fully root.  It can be faster than that if they have very consistent light and warmth.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com