I had moved my lantana inside in a pot.[The flowers had frozen, but the plant was alive.] After a week I decided I didn't have enough room, enough sun, so I would compost it. I cut it near to the dirt, and while carrying it outside to the compost, I noticed it was sprouting beautiful little green shoots everywhere! Oh my goodness, I feel like a murderer. Now I want to keep it, but what to do. I put the stems in water, but am told they won't root in water. Someone suggested I put them in soilless soil with root hormone and they might make it. Is that the best thing to do? Any other suggestion? Thanks so much.
ellen

I'm assuming the stems that are sprouting are no longer attached to the plant? In that case, I agree with the person who suggested soilless mix. Treat them like hardwood cuttings and see if they root. I'm not sure if it works when there are no leaves at all but it wouldn't hurt to try. Also, if you still have the pot with the original plant in it, I'd try watering it and seeing if it sprouts new shoots from the roots. It seems like it really wants to live!

Thank you. Yes I also still have the rooted stems, and they are also sprouting so hopefully they will make it. It was so amazing that I ignored the plant for a week in a dark corner, and then - how strong the drive to live is!

ellenr, lantana are amazing little plants. They seem to thrive on neglect. They are almost 'weed' status in Flordia. They can live with almost not water, but like to atleast be warm. When I lived in Fl. they would root from stems that had fallen to the ground. Don't baby it but try to keep it warm with atleast a bit of sunlight. I may not look very healthy thru the winter, but if you can keep it alive, it should do just fine come warmer weather. Good luck!!

As a resident of Tampa, I heartily agree with the previous posting. My lantana does grow like a weed AND forms a new plant readily from branches I have been unwise enough to leave on the ground. It seems to like alot of sun. The one that rooted itself in a shady place didn't grow as happily as those in full sun.