Plant propagation boxes - Blooming Balcony Garden

Propagation Box

If you’re a gardener who likes to share plants or maybe just a greedy person who loves having multiples of everything, a prop box is an easy way to get started making more plants.

Chop and prop

A prop box really only works for plants that enjoy humidity. You don’t need one of these for succulents. Hoyas and house plants that love moisture and humid conditions will thrive in a box. You’ll notice right away any existing air roots will start to get ‘hairy’ and grow.

Getting started

First, you need a container with a lid to seal in humidity. Then you need substrate – perlite, coco chips, dirt, moss, etc. Choose what you’re familiar with when deciding on substrate OR you can always experiment! Keep in mind it may take weeks for new roots to appear depending in climate and conditions.

Sphagnum moss

Sphagnum moss is foolproof for most, but some don’t like when incoming roots tend to stick to the moss. If you’re worried of root rot, don’t use moss for your cuttings.

Get your moss moist – use warm water to rehydrate and let it sit for a few minutes.

Squeeze your moss – remove any excess moisture by hand squeezing the moss.

Place your moss in the bottom of the box – then gently place cuttings on top and seal the box.

Coco chips / husks / chunks

Many of my hoyas are in coco chunks alone. Coco can come in bricks that must be rehydrated. Using gloves will save you from splinters on your hands.

Get your coco moist – use very hot water to rehydrate and let it sit for a few minutes.

Squeeze your coco – remove any excess moisture by hand squeezing the coco as much as possible.

Place your coco in the bottom of the box – then gently place cuttings on top and seal the box.

Perlite / gravel / leca (lightweight expanded clay aggregate)

Place at least 1 inch of substrate in the bottom of your prop box and place cuttings on top. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water into the bottom of the box or spritz generously with water and close the lid.

Place at least 1 inch of substrate in the bottom of your prop box and place cuttings on top.

Pour 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water into the bottom of the box or spritz generously with water and close the lid.

Important tips

Always open your prop box every day or every few days to allow fresh air inside.
If there aren’t water droplets on the lid, spritz some water in the prop box.

Planting

You can plant your new cutting as soon as roots are at least 1 inch long.