How to Propagate Native Desert Plants

Instructions for Propagating from Seed

• 1

  Cut the plastic container in half and set aside the bottom half; discard the top half.

• 2

  Mix your potting soil to propagate the desert plant and fill the plastic container half full. Compose the potting mixture of 1 part perlite with 1 part vermiculite and a pinch of osmacote fertilizer.

• 3

  Sow desert plant seed and water thoroughly, soaking the soil.

• 4

  Cover the bottle with plastic wrap and place in a cool but well-lit area.

• 5

  Remove plastic cover when seeds begin to germinate and keep well watered.

• 6

  Divide plant as desired and transfer the young desert plants to small flower pots once growth is consistent.

Instructions for Propagating from Cutting

• 7

  Create the same planting mixture used for propagating seeds: 1 part perlite with 1 part vermiculite and a pinch of Osmacote fertilizer.

• 8

  Place the soil mixture in the plastic bottle and add the cutting, placing it stem-first into the soil. Place it deep enough so that it will not fall over; the roots need to anchor the plant in the soil.

• 9

  Water the soil thoroughly and cover with plastic to maintain humidity. Keep the cutting in a well-lit area to spur growth.

• 10

  Transfer the cutting to a small plastic pot once new growth is observed and continue to keep the new cutting well watered for the first month.