How to Propagate Plants

Propagating plants divides one plant and creates another from a leaf or a portion of the stem. Propagating allows you to grow a second plant that's identical to the main plant, which is one way to replicate a style and color you like.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick a plant to propagate, or obtain stock from a plant dealer. Make sure the stock plant is healthy. Propagation may damage an unhealthy stock plant, and the new plant probably will fail.

2. Disinfect a sharp knife and use it to take a cutting from the leaf or stem of the stock plant. The process of propagating garden plants from either cutting is the same.

3. Cut a leaf cleanly from the stem. Cut a stem cleanly from the main portion of the plant, but choose one with no flower or leafing on it. The stem you select should be 2 inches long for the best results.

4. Dip the newly cut leaf or stem into a rooting hormone. The hormone helps the cutting produce healthy roots, which makes it a stronger garden plant.

5. Shake off any excess rooting hormone and place the cutting into a growth medium. The medium should be made of peat moss and perlite, and the container should provide ample drainage. Make sure the container is sterilized for best results.

6. Keep your newly propagated plants under plastic or glass. Make sure the area is mostly shaded and that the temperature stays in the range of 75-degrees F so the roots can take form. Some sun is fine, but direct sunlight should be avoided.