By Noelle, The Houseplant Honey
One of the most satisfying green thumb experiences is growing a plant from zero. Avocado seeds are the most popular windowsill gardening material. But new trends are developing as the Instagram plant community experiments more and more. Because once you start growing something, you can’t stop. Plant people just simply have this ‘green eye’ for anything that can be sprouted, propagated and grown!
Here are a simple, but such gorgeous instructions from @the_houseplant_honey to inspire you to do the same!
“This plant may not be exotic or rare, but it is very special to me because… I grew it myself!
Just about a month ago, I opened my kitchen cupboard and discovered an old sweet potato that I had completely forgotten about. Hidden in the dark depths of my pantry, the potato had already begun to sprout.
Step 1 : Sprout a Sweet Potato
Find a shallow container, place the potato inside, and fill the container with water so that only the lower half of the potato is submerged. Next, set the container on a sunny windowsill and wait. This is where the magic will start to happen! Within just a week or so, you should begin to notice shoots starting to grow from the upper half of the potato. These shoots are referred to as “slips,” and are where leaves will emerge from. As the days pass and the slips start growing leaves, you will also notice the potato developing a healthy root system on its lower half.
*Note : During this initial phase, it is a good idea to change the water on a regular basis so the newly developing roots always have clean, oxygenated water.
Step 2 : Remove the Slips
Allow the roots to continue to grow until they reach roughly 1 1/2 - 2 inches (3-5 cm) in length. This is now a good time to remove the slips for planting. You’ll need to separate each slip from the potato, one by one. In order to do this, grasp a slip between your thumb and forefinger. Now gently wiggle the slip back & forth. When the slip feels loose enough, twist to completely remove it from the potato. As you remove each slip, make sure you are careful not to break or damage the roots.
Step 3 : Plant the Slips
Prepare a soil mix that allows for plenty of drainage. Next, find a planter with drainage holes at the bottom. Line the base of the pot with about an inch or two of soil. Then arrange the slips in the pot, and backfill with the soil mix until the roots are entirely covered, and the slips are securely in place. After you have all the slips potted up, water the plant thoroughly, letting the remaining water drain out of the bottom.
*Note : Since the roots had originated in water, you will have to slowly acclimate your new plant to soil. To do this, you’ll want to give your new plant a deep watering every day for the first week. During the second week, water every other day. The third week, every two days, and so on. Continue this pattern until you are watering your plant once a week.
Step 4 : Find a Home
Place your plant in a location where it will receive plenty of natural sunlight. Sit back and be amazed with how you grew such a beautiful vining plant from a plain old potato.
I’m especially diggin the 5-point lobed leaves, such a cool full-on houseplant that I basically got for free!”
If you are ready to try this, please tag @greenalmostbright and @the_houseplant_honey to be featured, we would love to see your enthusiasm in full color and full growth!
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