Growing guava trees from leaves is an exciting and rewarding gardening project. While it is not as commonly practiced as growing from seeds, you can successfully propagate guavas through stem cuttings, which may be the preferred method for many gardeners.
How to Propagate Guava Trees from Leaves
- Select Healthy Leaves: Look for mature guava leaves that are healthy, free of pests, and not damaged. Choose a healthy branch to snip from, and cut a 6-8 inch long piece of the branch with several leaves attached.
- Prepare the Cutting: Trim the bottom of the cutting just below a leaf node, as this is where roots will form. Remove any leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting.
- Rooting Hormone: To promote rooting, dip the cut end of the guava cutting in rooting hormone. This will help stimulate root growth and increase the chances of success.
- Plant the Cutting: Prepare a small pot with well-draining soil, and insert the cutting into the soil, burying it about 2 inches deep. Water the cutting gently, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy.
- Create a Humid Environment: Guava cuttings need a humid environment to root. You can cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a greenhouse to maintain humidity.
- Transplanting: After a few weeks, the cutting should begin to form roots. Once the roots are well-developed, transplant the young guava tree into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
Propagating guava trees from leaves can be an efficient way to grow your own guavas at home. Though it takes some time, the process is straightforward with patience and care.