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Window Art That Takes Root

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Window Rooter in Action
Photo Credit: Megan Bame
These coleus cuttings grew nicely in the window rooter and provided a colorful accent in the window through winter. They’re now ready to be transplanted.
I love to craft, but I rarely make time to really let the creativity flow. Often it requires inspiration, which is sometimes accompanied by financial motivation. More than once I’ve found myself strolling along a street festival lined with unique vendors when I spot the coolest little thing – a handicraft I’ve never seen before that would be just perfect in my house or yard. I examine the craftsmanship. I consider the various design options. I check the price…Whoa! (I like it, but I don’t like it that much!) That’s when my wheels start turning and I carefully conclude, hey, I could make that.

That’s exactly what spurred me to try my hand at window rooters. For less than $5, I was able to duplicate a concept I had originally admired at an art show. I never intended to create a replica of the product I saw; I was more interested in adding my own touches and creating my own interpretation of the concept. As a result, I now have a unique piece of window art that helps me grow plants.

Here’s the purpose behind this neat project: Many home gardeners have discovered the magical world of vegetative plant propagation. Once you’ve rooted a new plant from a small piece of stem or leaf, you’ve got the inspiration to try other plants…just to see what happens. As with any trial and error, sometimes propagation doesn’t work. But when it does, you’re rewarded with a new plant that required little effort to get started!

Warnings
  • Constantly watch for new growth in the vase and don’t let it stay in there for too long – remember, the new growth must be able to be pulled through the mouth of the vase!
Tips
  • Window rooters make great gifts for gardening family members and friends.
  • If you decide to take a break from propagation, you can always use your rooter as a hanging vase for poises or other small cutflowers.
Faqs
  • Q: Will any kind of plant cutting grow in my window rooter?
    A: While it’s certainly fun to experiment with different plant material, plants with soft stems are more likely to root in water than those with woody stems. African violets, coleus, Swedish Ivy and philodendron are just a few surefire bets.
 
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Next Steps


Articles
  • Propagation Basics
    Curious on how to bring life to a new plant? Here’s an introduction to plant propagation – both by seed and vegetative methods.
  • Success With Stem Cuttings
    Propagation by stem cuttings is one of the most common ways to produce new plants. While there are a few special requirements to promote root growth from a piece of stem, it’s not that difficult to do – and you can grow your garden with time and patience instead of money.
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