How to Root a Ylang Ylang

Indoor Propagation

• 1

  Fill a large pot with a planting medium such as high-quality, lightweight potting soil or a mixture of half vermiculite and half peat moss.

• 2

  Wet the potting medium, then allow it to drain until the medium is moist but not soggy.

• 3

  Push two or three ylang ylang seeds about 1/2 inch into the soil.

• 4

  Slide the pot into a plastic bag. Use a nail or the tip of a knife to poke several small ventilation holes in the plastic. Without ventilation, excessively damp potting medium may rot the seeds.

• 5

  Place the pot in dim light. Normal warm room temperatures are appropriate.

• 6

  Water the potting medium or spray inside the bag to keep the environment slightly moist. If condensation drips form in the bag, poke a few more holes in the plastic.

• 7

  Remove the plastic when the seeds germinate, which may occur fairly quickly, or may take as long as several months. Move the seedlings into bright sunlight.

• 8

  Fertilize the ylang ylang seedlings, using a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the directions on the label.

• 9

  Plant the ylang ylang seedlings in a sunny outdoor location when the seedlings are 8 to 12 inches tall.

Outdoor Propagation

• 10

  Spade or till the planting area to a depth of 20 inches. Ylang ylang grows in partial shade, but prefers bright sunlight. Soil should be well-drained.

• 11

  Dig in 2 to 3 inches of organic matter such as well-rotted manure or compost, if the soil is poor or compacted.

• 12

  Plant several ylang ylang seeds at a depth of approximately 1 inch.

• 13

  Water regularly to keep the soil consistently, slightly moist. Don't water excessively, as the soil should never become soggy.

• 14

  Thin the seedlings when they are 3 to 4 inches tall. Remove the weakest seedlings and leave the stronger, more viable plants. Allow 15 to 20 feet between each seedling.