How to propagate purple-backed arrowroot

The propagation of purple-backed arrowroot by division

As the purple-backed arrowroot grows, the plant becomes larger and larger. If it grows vigorously, it needs to be repotted every 1-2 years. Therefore, division propagation can be combined with repotting. When the temperature rises in spring, division can be carried out. If the temperature and humidity are suitable, it can also be carried out throughout the year.

Remove the pot and soil from the purple-backed arrowroot plant, and use a knife to cut the clumped plants along the growth direction of the underground rhizomes. It is best to have stems, leaves or leaf buds attached. It can be divided into several clumps and then planted in pots separately. Place the planted purple-backed arrowroot in a relatively shady place for maintenance, control the moisture, and water it normally only after it resumes normal growth.

Cutting propagation of purple-backed arrowroot

Purple-backed arrowroot is also often propagated by cuttings. Generally, the cutting propagation of purple-backed arrowroot can be carried out at any time when the temperature is not lower than 20℃.

Purple-backed arrowroot is usually propagated by cuttings using the top tender shoots. Select 10-15 cm long tender shoots and cut them off. Observe the size of the leaves. Generally, one-third or one-half of the leaves should be retained. Process the cuttings and place them in a cool place to allow the wound to heal or use a little rooting powder to accelerate the rooting of the cuttings.

After processing the cuttings of purple-backed arrowroot, insert them into the seedbed, with a plant spacing of 5×10 cm being the best. The seedbed can be made of breathable soil mixed with river sand, vermiculite or perlite and other substrates with little organic matter. The soil must be disinfected before planting. After the purple-backed arrowroot is propagated by cuttings, it should be covered with 60% shade netting to maintain suitable temperature and air humidity. Its management method is the same as that of division propagation.

Purple-backed arrowroot generally takes root 30-50 days after cuttings, but the survival rate of cuttings is not as high as that of division, generally around 50%.