How to Propagate Landscape Plants
The process of growing a new plant by using a portion of an existing plant is called propagation.There are several different methods that can be used to propagate plants including layering, grafting, and division.The most commonly used method, however, is cutting. For home gardeners, using a stem or root cutting to propagate is an easy and inexpensive way to acquire new landscaping or garden plants. Start by propagating from a stem cutting with an easy to propagate plant such as ivy, lantana, or periwinkle (also known as vinca) for the best initial success. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Specimen plant
- Sharp knife or gardening shears
- Clear plastic bag
- Vermiculite rooting medium
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Container for planting
Instructions
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Prepare your container for planting. Pour the vermiculite into a container with good drainage. Soak the vermiculite with water and allow the water to drain from the container until the vermiculite is just damp to the touch.
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Examine the specimen plant to determine the best place to take your cutting. Cut a portion of the stem at least three to four inches long that has several leaves on it. On a plant like ivy or periwinkle, you should cut at the point where a new vine branches off from the parent vine. The best place to cut is right below the node---the small bump along the stem generally located right below a leaf or leaf pair. Use a sharp knife or gardening shears to cut at a 45 degree angle right below the node.
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Strip any leaves or buds from the bottom inch of the cutting. If you choose to use rooting hormone---a chemical that is thought to encourage cutting to create roots---lightly dip the bottom of your cutting in the hormone at this time as directed by the manufacturer. Then plant the stripped portion of the cutting in the vermiculite by placing the cutting in a small furrow and covering completely.
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Cover the container with a clear plastic bag to help maintain the moisture levels of your cutting. Water as needed to keep the vermiculite moist but not soaking wet. Be careful not to store the plastic bag covered planter in direct sunlight or you risk scorching the cutting. Rooting time varies depending on the type of plant you are propagating; generally you can expect roots to develop within four to six weeks. At that point, your plant is ready to be transplanted into a bigger container or directly into your garden or landscaping if the weather permits.
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Tips & Warnings
Stem cutting work best to propagate plants which are known as herbaceous---this includes many perennials, annuals, and houseplants. Plants with thicker, woody stems may be easier to propagate through layering or grafting. You can speak to a master gardener through your local agricultural extension for help in determine which propagation methods are best for your specific plant.
