Expert: Will Creed - 12/10/2006

Question
Hi. I have a long-lived China Doll plant (about 8 years old) that is scraggly and looking on its last legs. Since this particular plant has some personal value attached to it, is there a way to propagate a new baby plant from old mother plant (using roots, stem or branches)?

Also, what is the best way to care for a China Doll plant? Should they be pruned often to keep them bushy? (I never did this to this plant, and as such it is tall and spindly looking).

Thanks in advance!

Answer
Hi Laura,

China dolls do have a way of becoming leggy and scraggly looking as they age unless they are pruned regularly. This is because new growth is always at the ENDS of stems. So the only when to get new foliage growth in the center and lower portions of the plant is to cut long stems back so the ends are now in the center of the plant. When you prune, make the pruning cuts at the places where you would like to see new growth emerge.

China doll cuttings are not easy to propagate. Use tip cuttings that have green (not woody) stems. They should be no more than 6 inches in length. Insert these cuttings in a small pot filled with a damp potting mix. Place a clear plastic bag over the cuttings and pot to keep the moisture in the soil and around the air surrounding the cuttings. Provide lots of bright, but indirect light. Leave the plastic tent in place for about a month before gradually opening and removing is over the course of a week.


Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.

  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com