How to Root Cuttings

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Many types of plants can be propagated by taking cuttings from them and placing the cuttings in a growing medium that encourages root production. After the cuttings have produced their own roots, they can be transplanted into the garden and grown into new, healthy plants.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Rooting gel
Propagation tray and tray cover
Starter mix potting soil

Step1

Prepare the propagation trays. Fill trays with the starter mix potting soil. Water the soil so it's thoroughly damp. Have the rooting gel and the lids for the propagation trays nearby.

Step2

Choose plants you would like to reproduce. The plants should be healthy and actively growing. Water the plants well the night before you plan to take cuttings.

Step3

Take cuttings. Early morning is the best time to take cuttings because plants have their reserves of water built up in the morning.

Step4

Prune the cuttings to 4 inches long. The wood should be firm and sturdy but still green in color. It's best for the cuttings to be planted right away.

Step5

Cut off the bottom leaves and shorten the stem to just below a leaf node. Cut the leaves off, leaving a tiny stub of leaf stem attached to the stem of the cutting. Never tear off the bottom leaves.

Step6

Dip the stem into the rooting gel. Coat all of the stem that will be planted in the rooting medium. Plant the stem immediately in the planting medium. Make sure the stem is securely planted and not loose in the planting medium.

Step7

Maintain high humidity around the cuttings. Place the lid on the propagation tray and mist often, keeping the soil damp but well-drained. The soil temperature should stay at 80 to 85 degrees F. You can place the propagation tray on a heating mat or heating pad to maintain temperature if necessary.

Step8

Monitor the cuttings, keeping them warm, moist and undisturbed. It generally takes about 3 months for roots to form. Leave plant cuttings in the rooting mixture until spring and the danger of all frost is over. Transplant outside into a planter or other container until the plants grow larger, then plant directly into the landscape.