Propagate pale dewplant from a stem cutting. Let the cut dry, stick it in grit, and wait until roots show. You can also sow seed barely covered on grit.
Take a stem cutting and let the cut dry
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Spring or summer, from a healthy trailing stem | Do not take cuttings from a frozen or rotting mat |
| Wood | A 3 to 4 inch stem with several nodes | Do not use a shredded, leafless scrap |
| Mix | Dry grit, coarse sand, or a cactus mix that sheds water | Do not stick the cutting in packed, wet garden soil |
| Water | Wait until the cut is dry, then keep the mix barely moist | Do not keep the cutting in a soggy cup |
pale dewplant roots from a stem. Take cuttings in spring or summer, when the plant is growing. [1] A wet mix is the usual reason a cutting collapses, because this plant does not tolerate standing water. [2] This is the trailing carpet, Drosanthemum floribundum, not a hardy ice-plant cutting from another genus. [3] Sun and later watering stay on How to Grow Pale Dewplant.
When do I take pale dewplant cuttings?
In spring or summer, from a healthy trailing stem. Let the cut dry before you stick it in grit.
How to root a pale dewplant cutting
Work with a clean snip. Rooting hormone helps, but it is not required on this plant.
- Cut a 3 to 4 inch stem just below a node. Strip the lower leaves.
- Lay the cutting in a dry, shaded spot until the wound is dry to the touch.
- Stick the stem into grit or a cactus mix. Do not bury the remaining leaves.
- Water once to settle the grit, then wait until the mix is dry before you water again. Keep it bright but out of harsh midday sun until new growth shows.
Can I grow pale dewplant from seed?
Yes. Sow it on grit, cover it about 1 mm, and keep the mix barely moist until seedlings show, often in about a week.
Sow the seed on grit, barely covered
Ripe capsules open months after bloom. Crush them gently, sieve out the fine seed, and sow it on grit. Cover it about 1 mm. Water with a fine spray so the seed stays put. Seedlings often show in about a week. Once they have six leaves, move each one into a small pot, then harden them in brighter sun before they go outdoors. [4]
If a cutting collapses, take a shorter stem, let the cut dry, and keep the grit barely moist, not wet.
FAQ
Can I divide a mat?
A stem that has already rooted at a node can be lifted and moved, but a fresh cutting is cleaner. Division is not the usual start.
Will seed match the parent?
Species seed comes close. If you want the same plant you already like, take a cutting.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Royal Horticultural Society -
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/49121/drosanthemum-floribundum/details - [2] Consultaplantas -
https://www.consultaplantas.com/index.php/en/plants-from-d-to-l/2022-drosanthemum-floribundum-or-rosea-ice-plant-care-and-growing - [3] Calflora -
https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=2819 - [4] PlantZAfrica -
https://pza.sanbi.org/drosanthemum-floribundum
This note is part of Drosanthemum Guides.
More notes on making another plant live in Propagating Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors