Many plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings, however, large leaved plants such as scheffleras, rubber trees, crotons, and dieffenbachias would lose so much moisture from their leaf surfaces that they would wilt before roots could form.

To get around this problem, a technique called air layering can be used. Plants that have grown too tall and have shed their lower leaves make excellent candidates for this propagation method.

First, select an area of the stem that will make a good looking short specimen. Make an upward cut [1] about one-third of the way through the stem where you would like the roots to form. Slip a toothpick [2] into the cut to prop it open slightly, and dust the newly cut surfaces with rooting powder. Take a fist-sized wad of moistened spagnum moss or peat moss and tie it around the open cut. This will provide a suitable environment for the new roots to grow into.

Next, cover the entire wad of moss with some clear plastic, anchoring it in place with string or twist-ties [3]. Continue to care for the plant as you normally would with the recommended amount of moisture, fertilizer and light.

It may take several months for the root system to develop, so be patient. When the roots are visible through the plastic; remove the plastic, cut the stem just below the new roots. Now you can pot the new plant, moss and all, into a new container.