Pup Cup Stratum Complete Propagation Kit from The Rare Plantation

Up your propagation game with the Pup Cup Stratum Propagation Kit, new from NZ rare plant grower and Alocasia guru Yuki, founder of NZ company The Rare Plantation.

This is an 'all-in-one' kit, with the stratum and perlite blend propagation substrate included, mixed to the right ratio and ready to go (no prep required), plus 10 sets of self-watering 'pup cups' perfect for propagating Alocasia corms and pups (baby Alocasia).

These clever mini propagation cups can also be used and re-used with any suitable substrate to germinate seeds and propagate chonks and cuttings for other plants. The humidity dome can be removed if not needed, or once seedlings or cuttings have rooted and start growing foliage.

You can also use these pup cups with spag moss for most houseplants, starter mix for seedlings, fern fibre... any substrate that works well for propagation and wick watering. A lower substrate level gives you more room for those baby leaves, or just remove the humidity dome to suit.

What's included in the kit?

10 self-watering mini pots

There are 10 'pup cup' self-watering pots included. Each outer pot measures just on 8cms tall by 4.5cms wide across the top and 3cms wide across the base. The inner pot fits neatly inside and measures 4cms tall. The humidity dome fits perfectly on top of both and adds another 3cms to the overall height.

+ Stratum propagation substrate

This kit also comes with a 350ml bag of pre-mixed propagation substrate, a 40/60 blend of Stratum aqua soil and Perlite, perfect for propagating Alocasia and other hard-to-root corms and cuttings.

+ 10 wicking ropes

The wicking ropes are also included, pre-cut to the right length. Although not required, you can use a lighter to melt the ends of the wicking rope to prevent fraying if you like.

Just add water! You want to maintain the water level just below the bottom of the inner cup and let the wick do the watering. Change water weekly. 

PRO TIPS

ADD HEAT > To speed up germination and root growth, put your pup cups on a heat mat.

PROVIDE AIRFLOW > Pop the humidity dome caps off a few times a week (about every second to third day), for a good 10 minutes or more each time. Yes, humidity makes all the difference, but airflow is still important to help avoid rot.

DO FERTILISE > Alocasia are hungry plants! Stratum does have nutrients, but not enough to replace the need for fertiliser. As soon as roots start, I use GT CCS root fertiliser at 5mls per 1 litre water but you can use whatever your usual propagation fertiliser is. I've heard amazing results for Alocasia using Kaylee Ellen's fertiliser PowerGrow also. 

What is stratum?

Stratum is also known as aqua soil. It's made from nutrient-rich volcanic soil formed into small, hard balls. It's a natural source of humic and fulvic acids that roots love. It also buffers the pH into the slightly acidic Goldilocks zone that Alocasia and most houseplants prefer, keeping maximum nutrients available to roots. Plus there's no prep or rinsing required.