How to Clone Flowering Plants
In a world that is becoming more environmentally oriented by the minute, people are planting more and more gardens. Be they decorative or otherwise, the demand for plants and trees is higher than ever. Due to this demand, production has been increased at many nurseries and even in backyards to fill the void. Planting from seed remains a viable option for propagation, though an easier way exists in cloning. By taking a cutting from an existing plant, you can eliminate several weeks to months of growth time, as well as producing a plant that is an exact copy of the parent plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select the plant that you desire to clone. You can choose a plant from your garden or from anywhere else, provided you are allowed to make cuttings.
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Cut a branch or shoot from the plant at least six inches inches in length using the garden shears. You will need to make your incision at least one half inch under a leaf node. (The leaf node is where the leaves grow from the stem.) Include more than one node in the cutting.
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Strip all of the leaves from the cutting except those from the uppermost node.
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Place the cutting into the cup of water while you make other cuttings. This will help the cutting stay fresh and fully hydrated.
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Fill the pot with moist potting soil.
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Remove the cutting from the water and cut underneath the bottom leaf node at a forty-five degree angle, leaving 1/4 inch of stem under the node.
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Dip the stem of the cutting into the rooting hormone and stick the cutting into the prepared pot.
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Water the cuttings after they have all been dipped and placed into the soil. Place in good light to encourage photosynthesis.
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Tips & Warnings
Keeping your cuttings constantly moist will speed the overall time that it takes for them to root. Depending on the plant species, this may take anywhere from a week to a month. You can check root development by lightly grasping the stem and pulling up gently. Any resistance felt is an indication of root development. Once roots have developed, the cuttings should be separated and each placed into its own container.
Only take cuttings from plants that are not currently flowering. By doing this, you ensure that all nutrients go to root growth.
