I have propagated three stems of a Moon Valley plant (Pilea Mollis). They all have developed roots but when I placed the plants in soil, they are slowly dying. Actually one of the stems actually withered. Good news is that there were two new shoots that "popped up". But those shoots are growing so slow. As soon as the new leaf comes out, it withers. It seems to grow a millimeter a week. I was expecting about a centimeter a week. Am I expecting it to grow too fast? I water them upon the soil being dry to the touch. I placed the plant at a south window (all of my windows face south.) And partially open my blinds for it to get some sunlight. (it calls for indirect sunlight and I still don't know what it means for indirect sunlight) My next door neighbor was actually the one who placed the stems in the soil. She had treated the soil with Miracle Gro prior to planting it. Was the Miracle Gro too strong for it or was it not suitable to begin with? Thanks for the input.
These plants like moisture and young ones will not have a lot of roots, so you probably should water while the soil is still moist until they are established--and maybe in general during growth. Sometimes for cuttings I would cover them with plastic bags or cups to give them a humid environment, try not to let them touch the cover--it could promote rot. If you are talking about Miracle Gro plant food, I would not give any fertilizer to a plant until it is established and growing happily. Partial light--not sure, but I have one growing in an east window, that never gets direct light.
Thanks Eric. It has been a month since I posted this question. It is still growing slow. My apartment temperature is between 60-73 degrees. In which since this a plant native to South America, I decided to place it on my shady porch three weeks ago. I actually saw another "seedling" grow out. New foliage has been growing which I think it is a good sign. I also saw very small pinkish white blooms the size of a crumb which I think it is very cute. I hope that there are no ants trying to steal the seeds once the blooms wither out. I can post pictures of the plant's progress if you want. Just let me know.
