How to Make Propagation Cuttings

Many plants are propagated by sowing seeds on the ground with a thin covering of soil. Hybrid plants are special mixtures of more than one type of plant and cannot be propagated by seeds. Propagation by cuttings is used to create a clone of the parent plant. This allows the gardener to keep the special features of the parent plant like variegated leaf-color or extra large flowers. Cuttings produce a mature plant faster than seeds.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Container
• Knife
• Soap
• Bleach
• Sand
• Spray bottle
• Rooting hormone
• Clear plastic

Instructions

1. Water the parent plant well the day before taking the cuttings. Watering plumps up the stems and leaves which enables the gardener to make cleaner cuts. It also reduces water loss from the cuttings after they are taken.

2. Wash the rooting container and a sharp knife with soapy water. Rinse the tray and knife in a mixture of one part bleach and nine parts water. This prevents the spread of plant disease to the cuttings.

3. Poke holes in the bottom of the container with the tip of the knife, if no drainage holes are present. Fill the container with quick-draining sand and spray the sand with water until it is thoroughly moist.

4. Cut a 3- to 4-inch section of stems from the parent plant. Pick stems that do not have any flowers or buds, which take away any energy from the production of roots. Take cuttings only from healthy plants and process the cuttings right away.

5. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cuttings to create bare stems. Dip the ends of the cuttings into rooting hormone and slide them into the sand. Mist the cuttings and cover with a piece of clear plastic to make a greenhouse. Place the cuttings in a warm, bright area until new growth begins.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant cuttings are taken from stems and leaves of plants. These pieces only need to grow a few roots to become a complete plant.

• Do not let the cuttings dry out since this will stop the production of roots. Spray the cuttings with water whenever the sand begins to dry out.

References

• Purdue University Extension; New Plants from Cuttings; Mary Welch-Keesey, et al.; 2009
• Washington State University Extension; Propagating Deciduous and Evergreen Shrubs ...; F. E. Larsen, et al.