Re-using Ceph cuttings

[LLeopardGGecko]

I'm starting to get more heavily into Ceph propagation and I have a cutting that has produced a fast-growing plantlet. The cutting, which is a large winter leaf, is still green and healthy and I want to use it to propagate more Cephs. In the past, I've read that growers have re-used cuttings three to four times before the leaves have ran out of gas.

At what point is it safe to remove the leaf from the newly born Ceph? Should I cut the leaf at the top of the soil, so as not to disturb the young roots?

I would love to get some input from those of you who have re-used a Ceph cutting.

 

[vraev]

wow! I never heard of reusing a leaf cutting. How can u re-use it? the plantlet forms at the base i.e., corm of the leaf cutting. That is the only vegetative part in a leaf cutting.

 

[LLeopardGGecko]

If my memory serves me correctly, then I've read somewhere that Cephs are pretty forgiving when it comes to cuttings. You don't have to use the whitish part at the end of a leaf. Apparently the whole of the leaf is viable.

 

[Nepenthes]

Yea I've also read that bit about reusing ceph cuttings. I'm pretty sure it was on this forum too...

Edit: Just found one of the posts where JMatt tells about reusing a leaf pulling:

http://www.terraforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110776&highlight=reused+leaf+pulling

 

[jimscott]

If I understand the question correctly, the actual leaf that does the sprouting, in my experience, is a once and done thing. It withers away in several weeks. I wouldn't go out of your way to remove it. Leaves sprout nicely in live LFS, but I have also used water in a vial, as well as right next to the parent plant. Live LFS works best for me.

 

[RL7836]

If I understand the question correctly, the actual leaf that does the sprouting, in my experience, is a once and done thing. It withers away in several weeks.

There have been a number of people in the past few years (in addition to JMatt) who have shared their experiences re-using these leaves.

I prefer to leave the leaf attached to the new baby plant. It seems to provide the young plant add'l energy to make a good root system & robust topside growth. My few larger plants provide me with more nice-sized leaves than I can use. Heck, I still have a bunch of plants that I can't even trade away from this recent offer.

 

[jimscott]

Maybe one just needs to reuse them soon after the new plant sprouts. I never did, so... next time I get a winter leaf, I'll give it a go.