Looking to expand your urban jungle? Well, look no further as we have the complete guide to propagating your Cast Iron Plant, from a detailed step by step method to FAQs and all of our tips and tricks to help you along the way. Although we have never timed ourselves, the entire process should probably only take you about 20 minutes so you’ll have plenty of new Cast Iron Plants in no time at all!
What methods can be used to propagate a Cast Iron Plant?
Unfortunately, there is only really one method to successfully propagate a Cast Iron Plant and that is through division of the mother plant. Whilst it can also be done through the cultivation of seeds, this process is lengthy, difficult and often unsuccessful so it’s not great for non-professionals. The division method, however, is simple and you shouldn’t encounter any problems along the way.
Below you’ll find a detailed step by step method of how to divide your Cast Iron Plant to ensure your propagation is a success!
Firstly you want to remove your plant from its pot
As Cast Iron Plants are fairly sturdy you want to grip the leaves and pull your plant out of the pot. We don’t recommend doing this for other plants as if they have delicate leaves this can cause them to break easily. If your plant is in a plastic pot then you can squeeze it a little to help it come free.
Remove some of the soil from the root system
This will help you locate the natural divisions in your plant and allow you to assess how many new plants you can or want to create. Run your fingers through the roots to shake the potting mix off. This is also a good opportunity for you to inspect the root system to make sure there aren’t any problems with root rot or crispy roots.
Untangle the natural sections
To do this, you might need to slice through a few roots using pruning scissors but that shouldn’t impact your plant’s health. If your Cast Iron Plant only has one section, then slice your plant in half or slice off a smaller section to create two individual plants.
Pot into fresh potting mix
Get your mother Cast Iron Plant back in its pot (or into a smaller pot if you have removed a large section). Then plant your new plant(s) straight into potting mix.
Continue your normal care habits
That’s it, your propagation is complete – yes it really is that simple! Just make sure to monitor your new plant closely to make sure everything is going as it should be.
Will it work if I propagate a Cast Iron Plant from a leaf?
Unfortunately, you can’t propagate using just a leaf or stem cutting from your Cast Iron Plant. You need a central section of your plant as this is where the new roots will grow out from.
What time of year is it best to propagate my Cast Iron Plant?
As you are propagating your Cast Iron Plant through division and your new plant will already have an established root system, you can do this at most points throughout the year. Don’t propagate during the coldest months of winter but any time from spring to autumn will be fine
So that’s it, that’s everything you need to know to propagate your Cast Iron Plant. The process itself is pretty simple but the only requirement is quite a mature plant (which can be difficult as these are quite slow growers).
To learn more about how to care for your new plants after propagation, check out our Cast Iron Plant care guide.
