Select a Healthy Parent Plant:Choose a healthy and disease-free papaya plant with a strong stem. Select a plant that is at least a year old for better chances of successful propagation.
Prepare the Cutting:
Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut a healthy stem section from the parent plant. The cutting should be around 12 to 18 inches long.
Ideally, choose a stem with several leaves at the top.
Remove Leaves:
Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
Leave a few leaves at the top to aid in photosynthesis.
Optional: Apply Rooting Hormone:
To encourage root development, you can dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. This step is optional but can increase the success rate of rooting.
Planting:
Fill a pot or container with a well-draining potting mix or soil.
Insert the cut end of the papaya cutting into the soil, burying it about 4-6 inches deep.
Watering:
Water the cutting thoroughly after planting.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Create a Mini Greenhouse:
Cover the pot with a plastic wrap or place it inside a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps to maintain high humidity around the cutting.
Place in a Warm Location:
Keep the pot in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
Ensure the cutting receives enough light for photosynthesis.
Monitor and Wait:
Check the soil moisture regularly and water when needed.
Roots should start developing within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Transplanting:
Once the cutting has developed a strong root system and new growth, it's ready for transplanting into a larger container or directly into the ground.