‘Nanouk’, also known as Tradescantia albiflora, is a stunning indoor plant with fuzzy leaves featuring bold pink and green stripes.’
This patented cultivar was originally developed in the Netherlands, and it is now a favorite among houseplant lovers.
How do you propagate nanouk? Propagation of nanouk can be easily accomplished using one of three methods: stem cuttings in water, stem cuttings in soil, or by dividing the plant. Rooting cuttings in water is typically the fastest method with roots appearing within 1 week. Rooting may take 2-4 weeks with the soil method.
Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’ looks even more impressive when it is full and bushy. This can easily be achieved by propagating multiple plants and placing them all in the same container.
You’ll be able to propagate an infinite number of these beauties after this article explains all the information you need.
How To Propagate Tradescantia Nanouk – 3 Ways
You can propagate Tradescantia albiflora ‘Nanouk’ through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are pieces of the plant that are removed, and they include at least one node and one leaf.
Nodes are the locations where leaves attach to the stem, and it is the location where new roots will form.
Method #1 – Stem Cuttings in Water
- Take a stem cutting – Use sterilized scissors to remove a stem cutting. Remove a few of the lower leaves.
- Place cut end into water – Place the cut end of your stem cutting into a container of fresh water, and make sure all the leaves are out of the water.
- Place cutting in bright location – Move the container to a warm location that receives bright, indirect light.
- Replace water as needed – You will need to replace the water in the container frequently, usually every 5-7 days.
- Move to soil – Once your cutting has roots that are 2-3 inches long, it is ready to be moved to soil. Keep the soil moist for the first couple of weeks to allow the roots to adjust to the new growing medium.
Method #2 – Stem Cuttings in Soil
- Take a stem cutting – Use sterilized scissors to remove a stem cutting. Remove a few of the lower leaves.
- Place cut end into soil – Place the cut end of your stem cutting into a container of well-draining soil, and make sure all the leaves are out of the water.
- Place cutting in bright location – Move the container to a warm location that receives bright, indirect light.
- Keep cutting moist – To help your cutting grow new roots, keep the soil moist and maintain high humidity. It can be helpful to place a plastic bag over the cutting to act as a miniature greenhouse.
- Check for root growth – To see if your cutting has established roots, gently tug on the plant. If there is resistance, new roots have formed and the cutting is firmly settled into its new location
Method #3 – Division
- Remove plant from the soil – Remove your plant from the pot and gently shake off all the soil from around the roots.
- Separate individual stems – Carefully separate each stem and root ball from one another. If the roots are too intertwined, use sterile scissors to cut them apart.
- Plant new “babies” – Your individual stems, or baby plants, are ready to be planted in their own containers. Use a well-draining soil and keep the soil moist for the first couple of weeks.
- Check for re-established roots – Gently tugging on the plant will tell you if the roots have settled into their new soil. Resistance tells you that the roots are healthy and growing.
How Long Do Cuttings Take To Root?
When propagating a stem cutting in water, you can expect to see initial root growth within a week. The roots should be long enough to transplant within a month.
If you are propagating directly in soil, it can take between 2-4 weeks for roots to grow long enough to be established.
After dividing a parent plant, the babies already have roots attached, but it can take a couple more weeks for the roots to be strong and healthy in the new pot.
How To Tell When Cuttings Have Rooted
Gently tug upward on your plant. If there is no resistance and you can easily pull the plant out of the soil, the roots have not started to grow or they are not strong enough to support the plant yet.
If there is resistance, the roots are healthy and growing in the soil.
Caring for Newly Propagated Nanouk Plants
It is very common for nanouk cuttings to go through transplant shock, so do not be surprised if they do not look healthy for a couple of weeks.
The best care you can provide to newly propagated nanouk plants is to provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Related Questions:
How Do You Encourage Roots To Grow From Cuttings?
Rooting hormone is the best way to encourage root growth on cuttings. This substance promotes root growth while protecting the cutting from bacteria and fungus. (I’ve had good success with this powder.)
There are also many natural alternatives to rooting hormone that can help protect the cuttings from infection while stimulating root growth.
Roots also grow faster when the cutting is kept in a warm, moist environment. Run a humidifier or create a miniature greenhouse to maintain high humidity.
What Can I Use Instead of Rooting Hormone?
There are a few different substances that can help promote root growth. These substances contain compounds that are antimicrobial or stimulate root growth.
You can use these individually or combine them to create your own rooting hormone replacement.
- Saliva
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cinnamon
- Honey
- Aspirin
Conclusion
Whether you are new to propagating your plants or a houseplant veteran, these methods will help you to grow an endless number of Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’ plants.
Once you see how striking a full container of cotton candy striped leaves is, you’ll be hooked.