It’s true, yes. I am a blogger who has been a HORRIBLE one. I attribute it to the conclusion of the academic year as well as the return of my husband to the United States of America. Isn’t it true that a girl needs to prioritize her family and her job before she can blog?
It’s time to stop making excuses. We all know that I won’t be able to see Jon for a while because he is currently at home and is so engrossed in the final book of the Game of Thrones series. The grades of all of my students have been turned in, and I have been able to leave my classroom in a satisfactory state for the upcoming academic year. It’s time to start writing some blog posts!
A few weeks ago, I became aware that a handful of my houseplants were in dire need of a haircut, and I was not kidding. Both the basket of creepy-crawly plants that I inherited from a friend and the small jade that I purchased at the farmer’s market have spread out across the kitchen. The jade is currently taking over the desk. Where do we even start?
I started doing some research, hoping to find out what my plants needed before the snip-snip action started. I was just trying to find out what they needed.
Jades: When it comes to jades, the optimum time to prune them is during the spring and early summer months, as this is when the plant typically begins to develop new branches. Cut the plant at a node, which is the point where you can see a thin line indicating a separate section, and immediately after a leaf has been set. It is important to keep in mind that the plant will most likely produce some new growth in this region; therefore, you should position it in a location where you would like to see additional jade branches. Don’t get your hands dirty with the exposed edge; you don’t want to risk getting an infection.
The branches that have been chopped off can be used to propagate fresh jade baby plants! For a period of one to two weeks, they should be allowed to dry in a cool, shady location. A callus should be formed on the cut edge of the plant before it is planted, as the callus will prevent any disease from developing. As the plant begins to establish itself, you should provide it with some support and water it approximately once a week. However, you may need to water it more frequently as the plant begins to establish itself (do not allow the leaves to become shriveled). About a year is all that is required for the young jades to thrive in a little pot; they do not require an excessive amount of space.
Philodendrons: are entertaining plants that grow on vines and have leaves that are shaped like hearts. This may be the reason why they were given the name “love trees” in Greek. They perform exceptionally well as air filters and are simple to maintain. It is sufficient to clip the vine at a point just after the node to give these a haircut and encourage development at the base of the plant. These have the appearance of being prickly branches.
As a means of propagation, a 45-degree cut should be made just under another node, and the cutting should then be placed in water. You are welcome to provide some plant food, as doing so will encourage the growth of the roots. Within a month or so, you will observe the formation of roots emanating from the spiny node. When you have a few healthy roots, place the plant in a container and water it approximately once a week.
Both of these succulents benefit from sandy soil, though I can tell you that I have used regular potting soil and they look fantastic!
Check back in a few days to see what I did with these baby succulents (think crafty pots and great gifts)! Happy planting.
