No Back to School Blues Here - Only Greens!
No Back to School Blues here only GREENS! Propagate Indoor Plants with Kids. Try these indoor plants and teach about horticulture, gardening, photosynthesis, and how to make plant babies!
Making ‘Plant Babies’ with the Kiddos
Needing a home school plan or want to have sweet one-on-one time with your kiddos? Try teaching them how to propagate a Lively Root plant to make "plant babies!" Below are a few plants you can choose from, plus it's an easy way to kick those back to school blues! Have fun with your kiddos, as well as teach them some horticulture basics!
The easiest plants for this will include any plants that can be water propagated. This way, your kids will be able to see from week to week how much the roots have grown. You can take pictures and monitor the growth and then plant them in soil and fertilize after it's reached a good development.
Shop our Plantade selection to keep your plants happy!
Plants to Use for Water Propagation
Pothos :
The Golden Pothos is a symbolism of determination and desire due to its one of the toughest plants and survives all odds. They produce long vines, which can also signify reaching for the stars! May we all have this one around to remind us of our potential!
Monstera : Are you the family historian, or know someone who is? If so, this plant is calling your name. The Monstera is a perfect match for someone who values their genealogy because it symbolizes honor, admiration, and endurance. Honor your family tree with this beauty and count your blessings!
Chinese Evergreens (Keep this one out of reach of children. Please wear gloves and do not touch your skin. The plant can cause blistering, swelling, and dermatitis on the skin.)
Fiddle Leaf Fig : Fiddle Leaf Figs 'Ficus Lyrata' are gorgeous plants known for their large leaves and vibrant green colors. They prefer more stable environments and can be sensitive to tap water so we recommend these to more experienced growers.
Umbrella Tree : It's one of our favorite beginner plants. Not only is it low maintenance, but it also grows quickly. It can grow to ceiling-skimming heights of six feet and over, but if you prefer shorter shrubs, you can trim it into a shorter, bushier shape. Since they're easy to take care of, they're great for first-time plant parents and a great beginner plant for kids!
Maranta Red : You would think this plant had muscles and tendons with the way the leaves move up and down depending on the time of day it is! An organ at the leaves' base produces swelling and shrinkage due to water passing into the cells. This horticulture phenomenon syncs with a rhythmic biological cycle recurring every 24 hours to create this movement in their leaves.
How to Propagate the Plant
- Delicately clip just below the node (1/4") with sterile, sharp clippers.
- Set the cutting in a clear glass vase or recycled jar. Use tepid water to cover the nodes of the cutting.
- Refresh the water every seven days.
- Keep it in bright, indirect light to help it root.
- The stem will begin to root in several weeks.
- After the roots are approximately 3″-5″, transplant the cutting into potting soil and water with our Plantade by Arbor.
- Keep the soil moist for about four weeks until the roots begin to grow. You can tug slightly on the stalk to see if roots are grabbing and holding after this time.
- To add humidity, place a clear plastic bag over the container to create a more humid environment.
Things to Know
Light-
Teach your little's about photosynthesis. Have them say the name three times and record it for cuteness’ sake! Our plants generate their food by turning sunlight into energy. To do so, they combine the energy with water and carbon dioxide (CO2) to create glucose. This glucose allows the plant to grow!
Water-
Water helps to make the glucose or energy for the plant. When we water our plants, the nutrients can break down and disperse into the water. The roots are like straws for the plant and uptake the water to keep the plant's juices flowing, much like our blood flow in humans.
Shop All Plantade - Includes fertilizers, soils, and accessories to keep your plants happy and thriving!
Soil-
Soil is what the roots anchor into to hold the plant upright. The more roots, the stronger the plant is. The roots give more access to retrieve nutrients in the soil. Healthy soil makes healthy plants!
Tag us at #livelyroot with your little holding the plant baby! Tell us what they thought of this horticulture lesson and what you propagated!