Growing citrus plants from leaves alone isn’t typically successful because citrus plants don’t root or grow new plants from just leaves. Instead, they need either seeds, cuttings (stem segments), or grafts to propagate.
Why Leaves Alone Don’t Work:
- Citrus leaves don’t have the ability to grow roots or develop into a whole new plant on their own.
- Unlike some plants (like succulents or begonias), citrus leaves lack the necessary structures to regenerate roots or shoots.
What Works to Grow Citrus:
1. From Seeds
- Extract seeds from a fresh citrus fruit.
- Clean and dry them.
- Plant about 1/2 inch deep in moist soil.
- Keep warm and moist; germination takes 2-4 weeks.
2. From Stem Cuttings (Best method for identical plants)
- Take a healthy, semi-hardwood cutting (4-6 inches) with a few leaves.
- Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil or a rooting medium.
- Keep humidity high (cover with a plastic bag) and warm until roots form (several weeks).
3. From Grafting
- Typically done by nurseries or experienced gardeners to combine varieties.
Can You Use a Leaf?
- You can use a leaf with a small stem attached from a healthy cutting, but just the leaf blade alone won’t grow roots.
Quick Tip for Trying Leaf Propagation (Less Common but Possible):
- Take a leaf with a 1-inch petiole (the little stalk attaching the leaf to the branch).
- Dip the petiole in rooting hormone.
- Plant it in moist soil and keep humid and warm.
- It’s a long shot, but you might get roots developing from the petiole over several weeks.
Summary:
- Best to grow citrus from seeds or stem cuttings.
- Leaves alone aren’t enough to start a new citrus plant.