How to propagate Cuban oregano (plectranthus amboinicus) by cuttings the latest way, do this for fast rooting and survival

Cuban oregano is famous for releasing fragrance when touched, but to grow it well, besides focusing on light and watering management, what matters more is that during the growing season it needs frequent pruning such as pinching and tip removal. This not only prevents leggy growth, controls the plant shape, and promotes branching, but also makes the potted plant more ornamental.

But the branches cut off during pruning generally should not be thrown away, otherwise resources are wasted, because these branches can usually be used for cutting propagation. And if we use these branches for cutting propagation, we also need to consider the survival rate. So, how should the cut-off Cuban oregano be propagated by cuttings to achieve a higher survival rate?

First we need to clean up these cut Cuban oregano branches, select the ones in good condition, then set them aside to let the wounds dry, to avoid infection after cutting. But do not put them directly in the sun to bake, instead put them in a cool and ventilated place, letting them air-dry slowly; generally once you see the wounds have congealed and dried, they can be used for cutting propagation.

Next, what needs to be prepared is a flower pot and cutting medium; it is best to choose a shallower flower pot. If the flower pot is too deep, the water in the pot is often difficult to evaporate quickly after watering, especially the water in the deep soil layers easily accumulates together. Over time this easily causes waterlogging in the pot, which makes the base of the cuttings rot and lowers the cutting survival rate.

If the flower pot is too deep, you can put a layer of granules with relatively strong breathability and drainage at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer. Then fill in the potting soil and insert the cut branches whose wounds have dried into it. Because Cuban oregano is very sensitive to water and afraid of waterlogging, you must follow the principle of preferring drought over waterlogging, so the permeability inside the pot must be strong, and shallow planting is suitable.

After setting up a suitable environment in the pot, use a spray bottle to spray the medium in the pot moist, then evenly insert these cut Cuban oregano branches into the pot. Note that although the cutting medium does not need to be too thick, the cutting depth should be slightly deeper, and control the spacing well, letting the leaves of the branches face outward from the pot.

After completing the cuttings, do not rush to water, after all we used moist soil for cutting, and Cuban oregano itself is relatively drought-tolerant. Just place the flower pot in a cool and ventilated place for care, and during this period if the medium becomes dry, just spray a little water to keep it moist. Generally in about a week, the cuttings can grow new roots, and the survival rate is very high.