Thursday, August 11, 2011

Propagating tea

After my friend Frivolitea gifted me with a tea plant last summer, another friend of mine commented that she'd love to have a cutting of it once the plant grew to where there was enough to share. To my absolute delight, this plant has a) thrived and b) sent up a couple of spare shoots next to it. I decided to cut off a piece of one and see if I can turn this into a "passalong plant" that I share with others since it was originally shared with me! Here, I've got the cutting soaking up a little water in a small pot.

The tea leaves look very healthy, so I'm encouraged!

I dipped the cutting in some rooting medium to give it a little extra boost before planting.

And here it is in its new pot, where it will hopefully grow! I have another ulterior motive for this plant as well. I'll be speaking on tea at a Friends of the Library fundraiser next month, and I thought it would be nice to take along an actual tea plant to show those who may not be familiar with camellia sinensis in its unprocessed state. Wish me (and the plant) luck!

11 comments:

Frivolitea said...

I am glad that your plant has done so well! Best of luck with the rooting.

Susan said...

Your very own tea plantation! Keep us posted on rooting progress !

Traveling Bells said...

Well, I sure hope that little tea plant thrives, since it is gonna be the center of attention soon. Good luck with all that!

Marilyn said...

I love it in the little pot. It is fun to show and tell. My husband actually did just this. That is why we have 4 plants now in the garden instead of 2 plants.

Trish - Sweetology101 said...

this is fun!! neat-o, Angela

Red Rose Alley said...

Hello,
I visited your blog today. I thought the pictures of the teacups and saucers were so lovely. Wherever did you find that Red Rose Tea??? That would be perfect for me, and if you visit our blog, you will see why. I have been taking time out each day to have a cup of tea. It can be very soothing after a hectic day. Me and my daughters just started a new blog, and we would love it if you could visit us and follow. I would enjoy coming back to visit with you and seeing all your beautiful unique tea cups and treasures. Hope to hear from you, and have a sweet day.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Linda J. said...

I can't wait to see the outcome of this! I am speaking on tea in November at our local library, but don't have a plant to show. A photo is the best I can do.

Ginger said...

Soon you could have the only tea farm in GA. :-) I hope your rooting does well.

SOUTHERN TOUCH CATERING, INC. said...

Aren't you clever! You know you're gonna have to share a cutting with me now! I will make it the centerpiece of my garden. Ha!

Anonymous said...

Hello Angela, that is so neat that the plant is doing so well.
Please let me know where the talk is going to be, I would love to attend. Thanks so much,
Joanie

parTea lady said...

How wonderful that your tea plant is thriving. I hope you have success with the passalong plants.