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Starting
from Stem Cuttings
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation
is a fast and easy way to have multiple plants for your home or garden. Starting
from
stem cuttings
can be accomplished with just a few easy steps. As
always, the first consideration is to know both the
cultural requirements and
the growth habits
of the plant that you are propagating.
The photo above shows
New Guinea Impatiens Java Lilac Flame, started from
cuttings. This particular plant is an easy one to propagate in this way, and
represents the basics. Some other plants will have special
requirements such as a longer time to root, higher humidity needed, or
additional warmth required. Starting with the basics listed here, those
adaptations can be made on a per plant basis.
-
First, wash all utensils in warm soapy water, or a weak bleach solution, or use a fungicide if you are familiar with their uses.
-
You will need:
-
The plant to take the cuttings from (stock plant)
-
A sharp, clean knife.
-
Soil and pots.
-
Rooting hormone to dip the cuttings in, available at garden supply stores
-
Second , using the knife, cut a branch off the stock plant. It is usually best to take a branch of newer growth, about 4” long. Cut just below a leaf node or internode.
-
Dip the cut end of the cutting in the rooting hormone so that the powder or gel just covers the cut.
Using a pencil, make a hole in the soil of the prepared pot so that the cutting slides easily into the dirt. -
Once the cutting is placed in the pot, gently firm the soil around the cutting to help it stand straight. Prop it up with a label or stick if needed.
-
Place the pot in a bowl of warm tepid water to just below the rim until the soil surface is damp.
-
Allow excess water to drain off and place the pot in a well-lit area. If extra humidity is required for the plant type, a plastic bag may be placed over the entire pot. Be sure to take the bag off for a few minutes each day so that the plant does not get moldy.
-
Do not allow the cutting soil to completely dry out, but keep just damp until a gentle tug on the cutting meets resistance, a sign that roots have developed.
Within a few weeks, and many times much more quickly, roots will have developed and the plant may be treated as a mature plant would. Fertilizing can start at this point, and after hardening off to acclimate to the outdoors, the cuttings may be planted as purchased plants would.
Creating
beautiful plants for the home and garden is fast and easy with this method! .