Chandramallika, also known as Chrysanthemum or Guldaudi, is one of the most loved flowering plants in Indian homes and gardens. Its bright and colourful flowers in yellow, white, red, orange, pink and purple make any balcony or garden look festive. Many people buy Chandramallika plants every season, but the good news is that you can easily grow new plants from cuttings at home.
Growing Chandramallika from stem cuttings is simple, low-cost and gives healthy plants that flower well. I have grown many Chandramallika plants this way over the years. Here is a complete, step-by-step guide written in easy language so anyone can follow it successfully.
Best Time to Take Chandramallika Cuttings
The best time to take cuttings is during the rainy season or just after the rains (July to September). The weather is humid and warm, which helps cuttings root faster. You can also try in mild weather during other months, but success rate is highest in monsoon and early autumn.
Avoid taking cuttings in very hot dry summer or peak winter.
What You Need
- A healthy mother Chandramallika plant
- Clean sharp scissors or secateurs
- Small pots or seed trays
- Well-draining potting mix
- Rooting hormone (optional but helpful)
- Water spray bottle
- A shaded place
Step-by-Step Method to Grow from Cutting
1. Select the Right Stem
Choose healthy, disease-free stems that are green and firm but not too woody. The best cuttings come from the middle portion of the plant. Avoid very soft new tips or old hard woody stems.
2. Take the Cutting
- Cut a stem about 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) long.
- Make a clean cut just below a leaf node (the point where leaves join the stem).
- Remove the lower leaves, keeping only 2–3 leaves at the top.
- If the remaining leaves are large, cut them into half to reduce water loss.
3. Prepare the Cutting
Dip the bottom end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder if you have it. This increases the success rate, but it is not compulsory. Many people get good results even without it.
4. Prepare the Potting Mix
Chandramallika needs a light, well-draining mix. A good mix is:
- 40% garden soil or cocopeat
- 30% compost or vermicompost
- 20% sand or perlite
- 10% small amount of cocopeat if needed
Fill small pots or trays with this mix and water lightly so the soil is moist but not wet.
5. Plant the Cutting
Make a small hole in the soil with a stick or finger. Insert the cutting about 1.5 to 2 inches deep. Press the soil gently around the stem so it stands firmly. You can plant 2–3 cuttings in one small pot if needed.
6. Aftercare for Fast Rooting
- Keep the pots in a shaded place with bright indirect light. Avoid direct strong sunlight.
- Maintain high humidity by covering the pots with a clear plastic bag or bottle (make a few holes for air). Remove the cover for some time every day.
- Keep the soil lightly moist. Do not overwater. Spray water on the leaves if the air is dry.
- Roots usually develop in 2 to 4 weeks.
7. Check for Rooting
After 3 weeks, gently pull the cutting. If you feel resistance, roots have formed. You can also look for new leaf growth, which is a good sign.
Once rooted, gradually expose the young plants to more light and remove the plastic cover completely.
Care After Rooting
- When the plants become strong, shift them to bigger pots if needed.
- Give them 4–6 hours of morning sunlight.
- Water when the top soil feels dry.
- Feed with mild liquid fertiliser or compost tea every 15–20 days once new growth starts.
- Pinch the growing tips when the plant is about 6–8 inches tall. This makes the plant bushy and produces more flowers.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Cuttings turn black or rot: Usually due to overwatering or poor drainage. Use lighter soil and water less.
- Leaves dry and fall: Low humidity or too much direct sun. Keep in shade and maintain moisture in air.
- No roots after 4 weeks: The stem may have been too old or conditions were dry. Try again with fresher cuttings.
Extra Tips for Success
- Always use clean tools to avoid disease.
- Take cuttings in the morning when the plant is fresh.
- Label the pots if you are trying different colours.
- Once the new plants are established, you can plant them in the ground or bigger pots for better flowering.
- Chandramallika plants flower best when they get enough light and regular pinching.
Growing More Plants Easily
Once you learn this method, you can multiply your favourite colours of Chandramallika every year without buying new plants. One healthy mother plant can give you many new plants.
If you want ready healthy Chandramallika plants or other flowering plants to start with, you can explore the collection of flowering plants and outdoor plants available at Plantria. Starting with strong mother plants makes taking cuttings even easier and more successful.
Healthy plants from Plantria are well-rooted and ready to grow, so you get better results when you propagate them.
Final Thoughts
Growing Chandramallika from cuttings is one of the easiest and most satisfying gardening activities. With a little care in the first few weeks, you can have many new plants that will give beautiful flowers in the coming season. The method is low-cost, natural and perfect for home gardeners.
Follow the steps carefully, keep the cuttings in a humid and shaded place, and be patient for 2–4 weeks. Most cuttings root successfully during the rainy season.
If you want healthy flowering plants to begin your collection or to use as mother plants, visit Plantria and choose from a wide range of fresh, ready-to-grow plants.
Start taking cuttings this season and enjoy more colourful Chandramallika flowers in your home and garden.
Happy gardening!