How to Propagate Dawn Redwood From Cuttings

Dawn redwoods are the smallest of the species.

Dawn redwoods, scientifically known as "Metasequoia glyptostroboides," are the smallest variety of the redwood family of trees. Although smaller than the Giant Sequoia and other varieties, a mature dawn redwood grows up to 90 feet tall. Unless you have a very tall ladder, you will need to find a relatively new tree if you want to propagate using cuttings. Harvest your cuttings any time from mid to late spring. Once you have a stem cutting from a Metasequoia, you will be able to transplant the sapling the following year.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning clippers
• Rubbing alcohol
• Bleach
• 10-inch planting pot
• Peat moss
• Perlite
• Vermiculite
• Pencil
• Plastic bag
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Sterilize a pair of pruning clippers. Pour rubbing alcohol over the blades or dip them into a solution of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water. Allow the clippers to dry.

2. Inspect your young dawn redwood for growth from the past year or so. Look for green shoots that are about the same circumference as a pencil and roughly 6 inches long. Cut the shoot at the node where it connects to the main branch. Place the cutting in water.

3. Fill a 10-inch planting pot with peat moss or a mixture of equal parts peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. Push a pencil into the mixture to a depth of about 3 inches to make a planting hole for the cutting.

4. Remove the cutting from the water and use the sterilized clippers to snip off all of the leaves from the bottom 3 inches. Press the shoot into some rooting hormone so that the cut end and the lower 2 inches or so are completely coated.

5. Lower the prepared shoot into the planting hole. Push the planting medium around it and water liberally until the medium is moist. Place the planting pot in a clear plastic bag and tie the opening to seal it. This will create a greenhouse-like environment and help the cutting take root. Keep the pot in a warm room in indirect sunlight.

6. Water the cutting daily with a spray bottle that has a mist setting. Gently pull on the shoot after about two to four weeks. If it sticks in the soil, it has formed roots. Take the pot out of the bag and place it in direct sunlight. Continue watering lightly every day until you transplant the sapling to its permanent location the next spring.

References

• Washington State University Extension: Propagating Deciduous and Evergreen Shrubs, Trees and Vines With Stem Cuttings
• North Carolina State University: Plant Propagation by Stem Cuttings
• University of Florida: Metasequoia glyptostroboides: Dawn Redwood