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Stem Cuttings to Propagate New Plants

I first used this technique to create new fuschia plants from my mother's fuschias in around 1996 or 1997. It was really easy and I've created more from those. I've also used the technique for hydrangeas. It's easy, but requires patience and observation.

Most people who love plants have probably propagated some plants from stem cuttings. The easiest way is to cut a section of new growth from a plant, making sure it has nice growth at the top with a few leaves as well as a few additional leaves that can be pulled off where roots can develop. Some common plants that this is done with are geraniums, angel wing begonia, philodendron, mint or basil. Often the bottom leaves are stripped and the cutting is popped into water. Some plants like geraniums or begonia do very well going directly into soil.

Any plant can also be started in a soil-less medium (just like we use to start seeds) and then placed into a humidity box (again as with starting from seed). If you have plants that generate tender new growth each year, you can try this method to start new 'babies'. As with any cutting, the new plant is a genetic match to the original. That means that it is technically the same age. Some plants are more easily started using layering, but feel free to try any non-woody plant using the method below.

Important: When you take your cuttings, keep the following in mind. The plant should be well hydrated. The cutting should be new growth, not less than 4 inches and not more than 8 inches (and your bin - or skewers - has to accommodate the height in the pot). The cutting needs to have 3 to 4 leaves at the tip, and 2 to 3 leaves or leaf sets you can cut off. Make the cut on the diagonal just above a leaf/leaf set.

The first stem cuttings I did, I used the pots with plastic bags version. Later I realized how much simpler the bin version is to manage. Either will work.

Materials needed

  1. Clean, sterile vessels (any of the following)
    1. 4 inch plastic pots
    2. plastic cups with drainage holes cut in base
  2. Optional rooting hormone
  3. The planting medium - Soil free medium such as pre-packaged seed starting mix or more economically, mix equal parts peat moss and perlite
  4. Sanitized container for dampening planting medium (I use a stainless steel bowl that can be cleaned and put through the dishwasher)
  5. Skewers and plastic bags or a clear plastic bin with a cover
  6. Heating pad
  7. Pencil
  8. Spray bottle for misting

How to do it

  1. Place some of the planting medium into the bowl and add just enough water to wet the medium until it clumps when you squeeze it in your hand. Don't make too wet or you'll encourage fungal problems.
  2. Fill the pots or cups with the planting medium to about 1/2 inch from the top
  3. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, leaving 3 or 4 at the tip.
  4. Use the pencil to make a hole nearly to the base of the pot.
  5. If using rooting hormone, dip the end of the trimmed cutting (I don't generally use this, but it's considered helpful)
  6. Slide the lower 2/3 of the trimmed cutting into the hole and firm the medium gently, but well around the cutting.
  7. Water the cutting in lightly
  8. Place containers into the bin or place skewers into each container to hold up the plastic bags
  9. Use the spray bottle to mist the cutting.
  10. Cover the bin with the lid loosely or poke a few holes in the plastic bag and cover the pot
  11. Set the heating pad on a table or counter in bright, but indirect light.
  12. Turn the heating pad to low.
  13. Place bin or plastic covered pots on the heating pad

If you use the bin method, you should check and mist daily unless there seems to be excess moisture. If using the plastic bag, you can check every few days. The cuttings will need about three or four weeks and could take up to six weeks to root. They should be misted until you know they are rooted. You can check for roots by observing them peeking out the holes in the base of the pots or cups. You can also gently slide the plant out of the pot by tipping it to see if there are roots developing. They should be visible at the edges of the planting medium.

As soon as you know you have roots, remove the pot from the humidity or it will mildew. You can than pot it up into regular potting mix and it's on it's way.

Note 1: If you use a plastic cup you can see through, it's easier to spot when the rooting begins.

Note 2: You should feed a water soluble plant food at 1/4 to 1/2 strength after about 5 days, once each week until roots form. Water lightly as needed. Don't let the medium dry out during this process.

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