The longer the cutting you can get, the better: a cutting with developed roots will be hardier than a short rootless cutting and will take no time at all to propagate. To increase your odds of success, take a few cuttings to propagate. You can propagate a string of bananas at any point in the year, but spring, summer, and fall are the best times as the plant may struggle to grow in cold weather.
If you’re in a hurry, you can skip or shorten the 2 days of drying out your cutting, but keep in mind that if your cutting is too wet when you plant it, it might develop root rot.
Dip your cutting in a rooting hormone before planting, if you want. It’s not mandatory, but it can speed up the growing process. Don’t bury any “leaves” as they may rot: if you’ve got too many leaves on the end of your cutting still, carefully trim them with your clippers. You can also lay your cuttings on top of the soil rather than planting them. The cuttings will grow roots anywhere they’re touching the soil. To prevent the cuttings from pulling out of the loose soil, consider pinning them in place with floral pins. [4] X Research source
The closer to the surface you plant your cuttings, the faster they’ll dry out and the more frequently they’ll need to be watered.
You may be able to see the roots or new growth on the plant above the surface of the soil, but if not, gently tug at the plant. If it resists, this mean it’s grown roots under the soil. The more humid an environment you live in, the less often you’ll have to water your plant. Once your cuttings have developed roots, you can repot your plant in a new pot with drainage holes and well-draining soil, but you can also keep it in its original pot.
The more developed your cutting is, the easier it will be to propagate. If you can, try to get a cutting with roots.
The bottom tip of your plant must be submerged at all times, so make sure to change the water every few days. If you don’t change the water, it can grow bacteria or evaporate.
Roots may develop more or less quickly depending on the season and your location: hotter climates and seasons will encourage faster growth, while colder climates and seasons may cause your plant to grow more slowly, even taking as long as a few months to develop roots.
Overwatering can cause root rot or infections, especially when the plant is brand new. Be careful not to water your plant unless the soil is dry.
Leaf propagation isn’t the most reliable form of succulent propagation, but if your string of bananas has lost a few leaves, why not try growing some more plant friends?
Be sure to use well-draining soil so that the leaves can easily establish new roots and so the roots don’t develop root rot. Root rot occurs when roots become too damp for too long.
Propagating string of bananas from leaves is the trickiest propagation method, but it’s worth a shot!
