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On 14 Aug 2003 10:15:18 -0700, (Linda W.) wrote:

Phisherman wrote in message . ..
You will get a much stronger plant if you transfer the leaf to moist
vermiculite. This will provide more air to the roots and grow a
sturdier root system. In water, when you remove the rooted leaf, the
roots will cling together in one mass.

Thank you very much.

Vermiculite was mentioned to me when I first started to root this
leaf. I went to a local garden center but was unable to find it.

Could you tell me a little bit more about it? Is it like soil? Does
it come in a package? Small or large package?

Vermiculite is an inert rooting medium, made from igneous rock (I
think). It is somewhat white and silver in color and one small piece
looks like an accordion. It holds water exceptionally well and is a
very good soil additive for house plants. It is generally sold in a
plastic bag. Home Depot or Lowes should have it; if not, go to a
garden center. It is expensive. You will only have to water it once
in 4-6 weeks.

And then, if I find it -- would it likely have instructions on the
package as to how to use it with the leaf?

Probably. If not, fill a paper or plastic cup (with a drainage hole)
halfway with the vermiculite. Hold the leaf over the top of the
vermiculite and fill the cup with vermiculite. You can put a sandwich
bag over the top held with a rubber band to create a little greenhouse
and place in bright light (maybe *early* morning sun only--a
north-east window is very good). Poke a vent hole in the plastic with
a sharp pencil to allow some air. Make sure the plastic does not
touch the leaf else it might rot. You will see a tiny baby start to
grow at the base in 4 to 6 weeks.

After a baby AF forms, you can pot the baby in a 2" flowerpot. (I used
to use egg cartons to grow them by the dozens.) The roots will cling
to the vermiculite. Then you can re-use the leaf to grow another
baby! I've re-used the same AF leaf up to 3 times with success.

There are dozens of ways to start AFs, but I've found this method to
be the best. I don't think I ever seen a single AF--people just like
to start several for some reason.

Right now, the leaf only has one little sort of strand of root,
perhaps a quarter inch long, and a few tinier ones.

I would appreciate any information about vermiculite so that I might
be able to find it.

Many thanks!

Linda W.