I propagate pileas from single leaves by using the leaf bud propagation method. What is a leaf bud cutting? It consists of a leaf, a petiole and a stem piece (with a node containing a dormant bud).
As the apical meristem (top part of any stem that shoots out new growth) grows, it leaves behind regions of meristematic cells at the nodes, between the stem and the petiole. Meristematic cells are undifferentiated cells, meaning they can grow to be different things - leaves, roots, stems...These meristematic cells form dormant buds, that are located at the nodes, junctions of stems and petioles. This is why it's important to include nodes in most propagations :)
➡️You need a healthy leaf. If a leaf fell off your plant, in most cases there is something wrong with it, otherwise, it wouldn't have fallen off.
➡️Even if a healthy leaf was physically knocked off, you need a tiny piece of the trunk (with the bud). Otherwise, the leaf will grow roots and not new leaves.
➡️You can propagate in soil or water, doesn't make a difference. Use the method that works better for you.Try to provide more than 5,000 lux of indirect light. If you can give the leaf a few hours of direct sun, great! You will give it 30,000-100,000 lux (3,000-10,000 FC) of light during that time.
➡️Aim for water/soil temperature of 24-26C (75-79F).Use a heat mat, there's a link to the one that I like in my bio
➡️Take multiple leaves to increase chances of success
➡️Replace water weekly.If in soil, cover the plant with plastic,to reduce water loss through transpiration and maintain humidity of 60-80%. Water as soon as you notice the topsoil is dry
➡️After about a month or two, you should have a pilea baby big enough to pot into soil. If soil propagating, you should see a new shoot coming out :)
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PRODUCT THAT I USE AND LOVE THAT CAN SPEED UP PROPAGATION (affiliate links):
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - Heat mat (place underneath the propagation vessel to warm it up, can cut propagation time in half)
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - an air pump provides a constant inflow of oxygen which speeds up propagation. Oxygen is crucial for healthy root development
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - humidity dome for soil propagation
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - rooting hormone, for plants that are not easy to propagate
FERTILIZER
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - Dyna Gro fertilizer, excellent for tropical plants, contains all 16 minerals houseplants need
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - Espoma succulent and cacti fertilizer
LIGHT METERS
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - Dr. Meter light meter, the only way to know that you're providing your plants with sufficient light
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - Most light meters apps are incorrect, this one has been pre-calibrated for a variety of cell phones
IF YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH NATURAL LIGHT, YOU CAN USE GROW LIGHTS TO SPEED UP PROPAGATION:
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - 60W Sansi grow light (for large plants)
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - 15W Sansi grow light (for smaller plants)
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - 15w Sansi grow light
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... cable for Sansi grow lights
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - shelf grow light
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - Soltech Solution's 20W light - Soltech Solutions grow lights
➡️ www.mrhouseplant.com/recommen... - Soltech Solution's 40W light - Soltech Solutions grow lights
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Let me know if you have any questions :)