How To Propagate Crepe Myrtle From Cuttings Video

Okay, so you love Crepe Myrtles. Who doesn’t, right? Those vibrant blooms, the peeling bark – they're practically a southern icon. Now, imagine having more of them, for FREE. We are talking about an adventure in cloning, but with plants!

Snip, Snip, Hooray!

First things first, grab your clippers. Go find a youngish, healthy branch and give it a good snip. It is the start of your Crepe Myrtle adventure. Ideally, do this during the dormant season, when the plant is basically snoozing.

Picture yourself as a plant hair stylist, trimming away the excess leaves. You're aiming for a cutting that's about 4-6 inches long. Get rid of leaves except for the top few.

Rooting Around

Now, for the magic ingredient: rooting hormone. Dip the cut end of your Crepe Myrtle snipping into that powder. This stuff is like fertilizer for future roots. It is like telling your little plant snippet, "Hey, time to grow some legs!"

Next, find a pot and fill it with well-draining soil. Stick your treated cutting into the soil, burying the bottom inch or two. Give it a gentle pat, like tucking it into bed.

The Waiting Game (and the Occasional Pep Talk)

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Put a plastic bag over the pot to create a humid environment. It's like giving your little plant its own tiny greenhouse.

Place your potted cutting in a spot with indirect sunlight. Then, the hardest part: wait. This is where your inner plant whisperer comes in handy. Give your Crepe Myrtle cutting a pep talk every now and then, tell it how beautiful it will be.

Signs of Life

After a few weeks, start gently tugging on the cutting. If it resists, that's a good sign! It means roots are forming. You are almost there.

Once those roots are established, remove the plastic bag. Let your little Crepe Myrtle acclimatize to the regular air. Start watering less frequently.

From Snippet to Shrub (and Maybe a Small Celebration)

Once your cutting has a decent root system, you can transplant it into a larger pot. Or, if the weather is right, plant it directly in the ground. Choose a sunny spot where it will thrive.

Imagine the satisfaction of watching your little snippet grow into a magnificent tree. You've essentially created a clone of your favorite Crepe Myrtle. The best part is that you did it yourself. Time to celebrate!

Propagating Crepe Myrtles is easier than you think, and it’s incredibly rewarding. So go ahead, grab your clippers, and start your own Crepe Myrtle army. Just try to not let the power go to your head.