The stakes root in about 3 months and can be reduced to as short as 10 cm length, but such cuttings would take longer to develop into trees. The timbers of all species of Pterocarpus are highly valued. Remarkably, such growth rings are developed even in the non-seasonal humid tropics. Traditionally, Pterocarpus has been so much in demand for cabinet class furniture that nearly everywhere its existence in the wild is precarious. P. indicus behaves like a pioneer and grows best in the open.
Seedlings are slower growing than cuttings and exhibit considerable variation in vigor.
A strict cuuing program would be necessary to ensure that only the best stocks are planted out. Rooted cuttings can be established readily on nearly all kinds of soils, from coastal sands to inland clays, in urban and garden situations, and even in quite small planting holes dug into pavements. However, establishment trials in forest areas have had mixed results and some have failed. The reasons are not clear. With a little practice, it is easy to distinguish a healthy tree by its luxuriant foliage from one that is thinly leafed and stressed.