Home Garden

How to Propagate Brighamia Rockii

Brighamia rockii, commonly known as alula, is a Hawaiian native plant from the island of Molokai that is at risk of extinction. The species is a succulent, storing moisture in its stems for times of drought. Alula grows 3 to 16 feet tall and produces fragrant white flowers. The plant propagates from the small seeds that fall after their holding capsules break open following bloom. Germination takes from two weeks to four months.

Things You'll Need

  • Flat
  • Seed-starter mix
  • Spray bottle
  • Planters
  • Cactus potting mix
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a flat with seed-starter mix. Water the soil until the excess drips out of the drainage hole and the surface looks evenly moist.

    • 2

      Sow the Brighamia rockii seeds on the surface. Sprinkle a fine layer of seed-starter mix over them. Light has to reach the seeds for germination to occur.

    • 3

      Mist the seeds with a spray bottle after you sow them. Continue to water them in that manner as often as it takes to keep the seeds hydrated until germination.

    • 4

      Fill concrete, terra cotta or porcelain planters with cactus potting mix. The soil type provides the aeration that alula roots require and those pot materials allow water to evaporate quickly.

    • 5

      Transplant the seedlings to the pots and grow them in partial sun.