How to Plant Katuk to Encourage Budding and Lush Leaves, Complete Guide

Kapanlagi.com - The katuk plant (Sauropus androgynus) is widely known in Indonesia as an indigenous vegetable rich in benefits, one of which is to smooth the production of breast milk. In addition, katuk leaves can also be used as vegetables, side dishes, and even natural dyes. To obtain katuk plants that are diligent in budding and have lush leaves, a series of proper and planned cultivation steps are required.

Cultivating katuk is not too difficult and can even be done in the yard of your home. This plant easily adapts and can grow well in both lowland and highland areas. By applying the right methods, you can have a sustainable supply of fresh katuk leaves. Below will be explained how to plant katuk to encourage budding, as reported by KapanLagi.com from various sources, Tuesday (4/8/2026).

1. Choosing the Best Katuk Cuttings for Optimal Sprouts

Illustration of How to Plant Katuk for Frequent Sprouting/AI Generated

The first step in planting katuk to encourage vigorous sprouting is selecting the right cuttings. The easiest and most effective way to propagate katuk plants is through stem cuttings. This method allows the plants to sprout and leaf out faster compared to seeds, so the plants can be harvested in the short term.

The easiest way to cultivate katuk plants (Sauropus androgynus) is through planting stem cuttings. This is because the plants sprout and leaf out more easily, allowing for harvesting in the short term.

Choose cuttings from healthy, fresh parent plants that are free from pests and diseases. Ideally, the parent stems used for cuttings should be around 6 to 12 months old, or at least 10 months or older for optimal growth. To increase the success of rooting, stem cuttings can be soaked in a fungicide solution and root-inducing hormone before planting.

2. Preparing Fertile and Ideal Planting Media for Katuk

Illustration on How to Plant Katuk for Frequent Sprouting/AI Generated

Fertile and suitable planting media is very important to support the growth of katuk plants that frequently sprout. Katuk plants grow optimally in fertile, loose soil that contains a lot of humus, has good aeration and drainage, and a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

The most ideal environmental conditions for katuk growth are areas with temperatures between 21 to 30 degrees Celsius and humidity between 50 to 80 percent. Although katuk is tolerant of various types of soil and can grow in open land, ideal soil conditions will optimize its growth.

If planting in raised beds, prepare the land and create beds that are 100-120 cm wide, 30 cm high, and have a distance of 30-40 cm between beds. Add 20 tons/ha of manure to the beds, or 30 tons/ha before planting. Ensure that the soil structure is not hard and compact to prevent cuttings from breaking during planting.

For planting in pots or polybags, use a mixture of rice husk, red soil, and manure. Katuk also prefers shade conditions of about 20-30%, which can enhance the growth of shoots and leaves.

3. Planting Techniques and Spacing Arrangement for Maximum Growth

Illustration of How to Plant Katuk for Frequent Sprouting/AI Generated

After land preparation, the next step in how to plant katuk for frequent sprouting is the correct planting technique. Katuk stem cuttings can be directly inserted into the planting holes. Insert the cutting seedlings 4-6 cm deep with the buds facing upwards, or about 10-15 cm. The method of planting katuk is simply by inserting the seedlings into the planting holes. Then, cover the planting holes with soil and water until moist.

After the cuttings are inserted, cover the planting holes with soil and water until moist. The ideal planting distance varies, ranging from 20x20 cm, 30x30 cm, to 50-70 cm, depending on the planting system (beds or fences). Planting should preferably be done in the afternoon to avoid direct sunlight. If using seedlings from polybags, transfer the seedlings that have started to sprout to the prepared planting area.

4. Watering and Fertilizing Routine for Responsive Katuk

Illustration of How to Plant Katuk to Encourage Budding/AI Generated

Regular watering and fertilizing are key to planting katuk for frequent sprouting. Katuk plants are very responsive to fertilization, so regular application of fertilizer will help the plants grow lush. This plant is very responsive to fertilization; therefore, provide fertilizer regularly for the plants to thrive.”

Water the plants regularly, at least twice a week, or every morning and evening, adjusted to the soil moisture conditions. The first two months after planting, regular watering is crucial for good sprout growth. Liquid organic fertilizer (POC) can also be used to accelerate plant fertility.

The types of fertilizers needed include Urea and KCl. Additionally, organic fertilizers such as manure, compost, or cow urine are highly recommended, as they can improve soil structure and nutrient availability. Additional fertilization can be done in the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks after planting, then every 3-4 weeks with manure (10-15 tons/ha) or urea (5 grams per plant).

5. Pruning Strategies to Stimulate New Shoots and Sustainable Harvests

Illustration of How to Plant Katuk for Regular Sprouting/AI Generated

Pruning is one of the most important aspects of how to plant katuk to encourage budding. Regular pruning will stimulate the growth of new shoots and keep the plant lush.

The ideal harvesting can be done when the leaves are still young and fresh. This is done because young leaves have a better taste and are more nutritious. Regular pruning also prevents the plant from growing too tall and makes the harvesting process easier.

When harvesting, cut the tips of the young shoots about 7 cm from the base of the newly grown leaves. Pruning of unproductive shoots should also be done periodically. After pruning, new shoots will start to develop every two weeks. It is important to leave a plant height of about 50-60 cm after pruning or harvesting so that the plant can continue to produce fresh young leaves.

In addition to pruning, weeding should be done at 15 days after planting or every two weeks. Soil hilling is also important to strengthen plant growth. Pest and disease control, such as thrips, whiteflies, caterpillars, and grasshoppers, should also be carried out manually or with appropriate pesticides. The first harvest can be done 2-3 months after planting, and subsequent harvests every 30-60 days, ideally in the morning or evening.

6. Questions and Answers About How to Plant Katuk for Regular Sprouting

What is the most effective propagation method for katuk to encourage regular sprouting?
Propagation by stem cuttings is the most effective because the plants sprout and leaf more easily.

What are the ideal soil conditions for katuk plants?
Fertile, loose soil rich in humus, with good aeration and drainage, and a pH of 5.5-6.5 are the ideal conditions for katuk plants.

How often should katuk plants be watered and fertilized?
Katuk plants need to be watered at least twice a week or daily depending on soil moisture, and fertilized regularly as they are very responsive to fertilization.

Why is pruning important for katuk?
Pruning stimulates the growth of new shoots, keeps the plants bushy, and ensures a continuous production of young leaves.

When is the best time to harvest katuk leaves?
The first harvest can be done 2-3 months after planting, and subsequent harvests every 30-60 days, ideally in the morning or evening.

(kpl/nti)