Leaf-vein cuttings
BBC Gardeners World|October 2023
Make new plants from leaf-vein cuttings with Nick Bailey's essential guide
Nick Bailey
Leaf-vein cuttings

Some of our tropical and sub-tropical house plants, such as streptocarpus, sinningia and smithiantha, can be pretty expensive, so propagating your own is a real money-saver.

Leaf-vein cuttings may initially look challenging and difficult, but they are surprisingly easy to do. And a single leaf of, say, Begonia rex can generate up to 10 new plants using this technique. I've generated hundreds over the years in every glasshouse I've managed or owned.

Summer is the ideal time to do it, so by autumn you'll have rooted plantlets ready to pot up. It's a similar technique to leaf cuttings, but with its own foibles. Go on, give it a try you'll make a whole load of plants for free and wow your friends with your horticultural prowess in the process!

How to propagate by leaf-vein cuttings

1 Gather plant material 

As with most vegetative propagation, it's best to gather material when the source plant is at its fullest turgor; in other words, when it's holding the most water, which is usually in the morning. Cut leaves from the host plant using a sterilised blade and, if you don't intend to propagate them straight away, put them in a sealable freezer bag with a drop of water and keep away from heat and light.

2 Make vein cuts 

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2023-Ausgabe von BBC Gardeners World.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2023-Ausgabe von BBC Gardeners World.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS BBC GARDENERS WORLDAlle anzeigen
A welcome home
BBC Gardeners World

A welcome home

Having taken on a largely neglected, sizeable front garden during the pandemic, Susan Downing used her eye for colour, design and harmony to create a relaxing, sociable space for family, neighbours and passersby

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March 2025
Master your mix
BBC Gardeners World

Master your mix

Nick's guide to combining plants In this new series Nick Bailey shows how to mix plants in natural planting communities for a happy, healthy garden. First up, we look at meadows

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March 2025
The team is back
BBC Gardeners World

The team is back

While Monty shares the latest from Longmeadow, the other GW presenters are preparing for a dynamic year ahead. Executive Producer Gary Broadhurst shares an exclusive glimpse into 2025

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March 2025
GREEN HOUSE GROWING
BBC Gardeners World

GREEN HOUSE GROWING

Discover the joys of greenhouse gardening this spring and summer with Alan's expert guides, beginning with how to choose your ideal greenhouse and what to start growing

time-read
6 Minuten  |
March 2025
Next-gen gardening
BBC Gardeners World

Next-gen gardening

Arit Anderson considers how we can encourage and nurture the next generation of gardeners

time-read
8 Minuten  |
March 2025
Garden globetrotting
BBC Gardeners World

Garden globetrotting

While its rocky terrain provides challenges for Madeirans, the island's subtropical climate and year-round mild temperatures make it a big draw for visiting gardeners, as Emma Crawforth discovers

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March 2025
Growing THE GOOD LIFE
BBC Gardeners World

Growing THE GOOD LIFE

Everything's springing back to life for urban veg grower Sara Ward, so it's time for a few key jobs

time-read
3 Minuten  |
March 2025
Time to put down roots
BBC Gardeners World

Time to put down roots

Trees can bring benefits to gardens of all shapes and sizes. Carol Klein explains what to consider when choosing one for your plot and reveals her favourites

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March 2025
Fresh new start
BBC Gardeners World

Fresh new start

Want to grow delicious homegrown food this year? Monty shows you how to prepare for a summer of delicious harvests

time-read
5 Minuten  |
March 2025
Just like starting over
BBC Gardeners World

Just like starting over

As Gardeners’ World returns, Monty Don unveils his new plans for Longmeadow’s iconic Jewel Garden

time-read
2 Minuten  |
March 2025