“I just got six starburst Clerodendrum cuttings, what is the best way to propagate the Clerodendrum From cuttings? I am currently using Distilled Water and Hydrogen Peroxide?” Question from Lizzy of Ocala, Florida
Answer: From what I have read, it is easy to root Clerodendrum from cuttings I’ve rooted hundreds of cuttings but never those of starburst (Clerodendrum quadriloculare), thankfully it appears to be an easy-to-root plant. From what I have read, there are two basic methods for propagating it from cuttings. Regardless of the method, always start with fresh tip-cuttings that are approximately 12-inches long. Tip cuttings are taken from the youngest, freshest new growth.
It sounds like you are doing the right thing because these cuttings can root well in water. I would choose fresh spring water over distilled water, which lacks electrolytes. The addition of a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide helps to keep bacteria and fungi from invading. Once your cuttings begin to establish roots, pot them up in quality soil, such as Black Gold Garden Soil, which has added fertilizer to feed plants for up to 6 months.
Another method is to simply dip the fresh tip cuttings in rooting hormone, stick them in pots of quality mix, and keep it moist until the cuttings root. Rooting can take several weeks.
In-ground starburst plants also naturally sucker and layer. The suckers or rooted stems can be dug up and replanted as well.
When you plant these in your garden, keep them well-pruned because they can become quite aggressive and invasive if given the opportunity. (Click here to read more about this sub-tropical to tropical shrub.)
Happy gardening,
Jessie Keith
Black Gold
