How to Do Cuttings for Propagation

Some plants root easily in water.

Many times gardeners have plants within their landscape they desire to propagate through cuttings to cut down on the expense of purchasing new ones. The most common methods of plant propagation are through stem and leaf cuttings, as well as through rooting in water. Different plants root better through different propagation methods. Plants such as begonia, philodendron and poinsettia propagate well through stem cuttings. Plants such as pothos and Swedish ivy root well in water. Many plants that root in water will also form roots when grown in an appropriate propagation medium.

Things You'll Need

• Container with drainage holes
• Peat moss
• Vermiculite
• Pruning shears
• Rooting hormone
• Plate
• Plastic container
• Glass jar (optional)

Instructions

Stem Cuttings

1. Fill a container that is approximately one-third the height of the cutting with a propagation medium. Mix equal portions of peat moss and vermiculite together. The soil mixture retains moisture and supports the stem cutting.

2. Cut off a 4-inch portion of the plant's stem, selecting a healthy section not affected by diseases or pests.

3. Snip off all the bottom leaves from the stem. Leave only the top one to two leaves in place on the stem.

4. Remove a small amount of rooting hormone from its container. Pour the hormone out of the container and onto a plate. Swirl the bottom end of the cutting through the hormone, thoroughly coating it.

5. Saturate the propagation medium in your container before placing the stem cutting into it.

6. Poke a 2-inch hole in the soil. Place the stem cutting into the hole. Firm the soil around the cutting.

7. Water the container again after planting. Keep the soil moist while the cutting develops roots. Fill a spray bottle with water and mist the cutting daily to create a humid environment.

8. Situate the cutting in an area that receives filtered sunlight.

Rooting in Water

1. Snip a 4-inch stem cutting from the desired plant. Trim all the leaves from the stem other than the top one or two.

2. Fill a plastic container or glass jar with water. Place the cutting in the water.

3. Situate the cutting in a high light location that does not receive direct sunlight.

4. Every few days, place the container under a faucet and allow fresh water to run into it, flushing out any old, stagnant water.

Leaf Cutting

1. Fill a container with the same propagation medium used in growing a stem cutting. Use a container that drains properly. Water the container before planting the leaf cutting.

2. Trim off a leaf from the plant including a short section of its stem. Select a healthy leaf from the plant.

3. Dip the stem portion of the leaf into rooting hormone. Make a small indentation into the soil. Place the leaf's stem into the soil and pack the soil around it.

4. Water the container regularly to keep the soil moist. Mist the leaf cutting regularly with water to create a humid environment.

References

• Texas Agricultural Extension Service: Propagating Foliage & Flowering Plants