Question
My braided Pachira has reached the ceiling of my house, so I've trimmed the longest branches. Should I use rooting hormone to propagate these, or stick them in well drained soil? Should I trim some leaflets off and place in plastic bags as the whole leaves are too big to bag?!
Thanks, Veronica

Answer
Hi Veronica,

Shorter tip cuttings with 4-6 leaves will root more readily than longer, more woody cuttings with lots of foliage. This is because newer growth (closer to the growing tip) roots more easily than older growth stems. Leave a bare stem of about 3-4 inches below the lowest set of leaves.

Rooting hormone helps a little, but is not essential.

Rooting the cuttings inside of a plastic "tent" will help maintain the moisture around the roots and in the air around the leaves. By using tip cuttings, size should not be a problem with the plastic.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail some photos to my address below, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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