Propagating Hedyotis salzmannii: Cuttings and Runners

A practical guide to propagating Hedyotis salzmannii, a small bushy stem plant that multiplies both by stem cuttings and by spreading runners across the substrate.

Overview

Hedyotis salzmannii (also listed as Oldenlandia salzmannii) belongs to the family Rubiaceae, a group of flowering plants that ranges from herbs to small shrubs and is native to tropical and subtropical regions. In the aquarium it grows as a tiny green stem plant that stays largely vertical, remains rare in the hobby, and forms a low bushy stand. Because it both produces upright stems and creeps along the substrate, it can be increased two ways: by stem cuttings and by dividing the runners it sends out.

Propagation Method

The primary method is stem cuttings, the standard approach for stem plants. A healthy top section is cut, its lowest leaves are stripped, and the cutting is replanted into nutrient-rich substrate where it forms its own roots. In addition, Hedyotis salzmannii spreads sideways by runners, so established clumps can simply be lifted and divided where rooted side growth has formed.

Step-by-Step

Choose a healthy stem and cut the top 5-10 cm with clean, sharp scissors.
Strip the leaves from the lowest 2-3 cm so a bare node can be buried.
Insert the cutting into nutrient-rich substrate, spacing pieces a little apart rather than in one bunch.
For runner division, lift a spreading clump and separate sections that already carry roots.
Replant divisions and let light and CO2 drive new bushy growth.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

This is an intermediate plant that does best with good light and CO2 injection, which encourage the dense, low mat it is valued for. It prefers warm water (about 20-28 °C), soft to moderately hard water, and a nutrient-rich substrate. Like other carpeting candidates it rewards strong light, pressurized CO2, and both liquid fertilizers and root tabs.

Trimming & Maintenance

Trim every couple of weeks to keep the stand compact and to trigger side shoots that thicken the carpet. Regular topping also yields fresh cuttings for replanting, so maintenance and propagation go hand in hand. Remove any leggy or shaded lower growth to keep the colony healthy.