Chapter 1: My Early Experiences with Plants

Plants have always been a fundamental part of my life, much like water to a fish. One of my earliest memories is a family hike through an isolated cemetery in Illinois. Another vivid recollection is helping my family plant seeds in our garden, with goats observing us from a distance.

As time passed, our focus shifted from just growing and preserving our own food to selling excess produce at local markets. I spent countless hours from spring through fall tending to the garden—planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. Additionally, I worked in corn detasseling for four years, which offered me a glimpse into the world of large-scale agriculture.

Although I often dreamed of cultivating unique fruits and vegetables I discovered in seed catalogs, the limitations of space and time led us to prioritize more conventional crops.

Chapter 2: The Transformation During College

College had a profound impact on my life. Initially, I aspired to be an archaeologist specializing in the era of King Alfred the Great and his daughter, Lady Aethelflaed. However, I soon realized my passion for plants was much stronger than I had anticipated.

While my undergraduate studies weren't specifically focused on archaeology or even that historical period, I began feeling confined within my history major. I had envisioned a double major in History and German, aiming to learn Old English through Althochdeutsch (Old High German).

My German professor, whom I greatly admired, encouraged me to consult a science professor to guide my course selection for archaeology—and I cheekily never returned to my history studies. While my German professor inspired me to enroll in my undergraduate program, it was my Biology advisor who kept me engaged.

Under their guidance, I learned to cultivate native terrestrial orchids symbiotically through tissue culture, including how to extract tiny fungi known as "pelotons" from orchid roots. This experience ignited my enduring passion for growing these orchids. I also assisted in caring for the college's rooftop greenhouse, which deepened my fascination with citrus plants.

My plant journey even extended to my dorm room, where I successfully grew a pineapple from a discarded top. After it outgrew my living space, I donated it to the greenhouse, and a year post-graduation, I learned it had produced its first sweet fruit!

During a summer internship at an arboretum, I developed a profound appreciation for oak trees—our focal species. I learned essential skills such as pruning, watering, potting, and general landscape care. The countless hours spent there, alongside my co-interns and experienced staff, were incredibly enriching.

By the time I graduated, I was certain of my love for terrestrial orchids, my intrigue with citrus, and my enjoyment of outdoor gardening and tree care.

Chapter 3: Carving My Path in Propagation

I began my Master's program immediately after completing my undergraduate studies, but life circumstances necessitated a couple of breaks. Thankfully, I am now approaching the end of my program.

Alongside my studies, I held various short-term and long-term positions as I explored different career paths and hobbies. Currently, I work in plant conservation with a focus on micropropagation techniques. My interests heavily lean toward home horticulture, including both traditional and micropropagation methods.

A couple of winters ago, I decided to buy a dragon fruit to propagate its seeds. Little did I know that this would spark a newfound passion for dragon fruit cultivation! If you're curious about my journey, check out this article detailing my experiences.

I love diving deeper into successful projects, which is why I've also started a mini-forest of citrus and jackfruit trees in my grow tent. I experiment with various propagation techniques, including tissue culture, soil planting, water propagation on a heat mat, and the paper towel method. My curiosity drives me to document the process through photos and videos, which I aim to share on my Instagram (@avhelmbotanic).

So, what are the plants I most enjoy propagating? Honestly, anything edible that won't thrive in our cold Midwestern winters is fair game! I have a particular interest in dragon fruit, as I hope to embark on a personal breeding project one day. I'm also eager to experiment with citrus breeding to see what I can create.

My endeavors with jackfruit, kiwi, pomegranate, and mangosteen are side quests to challenge myself and prove I can grow them to maturity. Ultimately, I will likely find new homes for most of them after achieving that goal.

Chapter 4: Finding Your Favorite Plants to Propagate

To begin your propagation journey, start with just one plant. Avoid overwhelming yourself with visions of a massive nursery filled with thousands of plants. That mindset might exhaust you before you even start!

Consider what produce you enjoy most or which plants you find visually appealing. I've found that an emotional connection to a plant species significantly enhances my enthusiasm for germinating and nurturing them. You might feel particularly attached to growing a seed from an apple or kiwi you enjoyed at lunch, or propagating cuttings from a plant linked to a cherished friend.

Don’t let the potential size of the adult plant deter you! I know that a full-sized citrus or jackfruit tree won’t be practical to keep indoors during winter. Instead, I choose to embrace the learning journey and will figure out what to do with larger trees as the need arises.

You might be wondering, "Really? That's all?" or "How do I even decide what I like?" The truth is, only you can determine which plants resonate with you. The fantastic thing is, it doesn’t matter what others think—you have the freedom to grow plants simply because you want to. You also have the right to continue your efforts, even if your first (or several) attempts at propagation don't succeed. This process will enhance your skills over time!

The internet is a treasure trove of information! I frequently utilize YouTube, Reddit, Instagram, and various online searches to discover the conditions necessary for successful plant propagation. Additionally, numerous books on this topic range from specific plant types to broad resources that can serve as invaluable guides.

With all this in mind, I hope you consider trying plant propagation if it piques your interest! It has been a rewarding hobby for me. If you currently grow plants or are interested in starting, please share in the comments so we can celebrate together!

The first video titled "My Favorite Plants to Propagate & WHY" explores the author's top choices for propagation, detailing the reasons behind each selection and providing insights into the propagation process.

The second video, "Best Houseplants to Propagate & HOW I do it! | My Favorite plants to propagate!" offers practical tips and techniques for propagating popular houseplants, showcasing the author's favorite methods.

DISCLAIMER

The creation of this article is purely a personal endeavor I pursue in my spare time, motivated by my love for content creation. The views expressed here do not represent my employer's beliefs or values. This is solely my perspective, and I publish this to foster discussion on these topics, expand my knowledge through those discussions, and improve my writing skills.