Successful propagation using cuttings including right moisture and compost.
Propagating new plants by cuttings is a fun and easy way to produce and increase your own stock of plants, flowers and shrubs. As there are different types of cuttings, so too are there different methods in which to take the cuttings and then propagate them for new growth and these are detailed over several pages in our propagation section.
However, there are also certain constants required, whether discussing stem, root or leaf cuttings, so that the best results are always achieved, and these will be discussed below.
Note that the main body of this page deals with the three types of stem cuttings, however, some of the more general information applies to root and leaf cuttings as well.
However, there are also certain constants required, whether discussing stem, root or leaf cuttings, so that the best results are always achieved, and these will be discussed below.
Note that the main body of this page deals with the three types of stem cuttings, however, some of the more general information applies to root and leaf cuttings as well.
Clean equipment
Hygiene is of utmost importance when dealing with all types of propagation. This is especially important in this instance as cuttings are often propagated in moist and humid conditions, which is the perfect place for fungal diseases to breed, develop and spread.
Therefore, it is essential that all pots and containers are sterilised before use, and are meticulously clean before the cuttings are inserted into the cuttings compost. Equally, any knives, scissors or secateurs should be cleaned with alcohol such as a methylated spirit solution after taking each cutting, so that any disease or virus does not spread from plant to plant via a dirty tool.
Therefore, it is essential that all pots and containers are sterilised before use, and are meticulously clean before the cuttings are inserted into the cuttings compost. Equally, any knives, scissors or secateurs should be cleaned with alcohol such as a methylated spirit solution after taking each cutting, so that any disease or virus does not spread from plant to plant via a dirty tool.
Moisture
When dealing with softwood stem cuttings in particular, preventing moisture loss is extremely important, as this type of cutting is probably the most fragile as well as the most susceptible to losing water.
When a cutting is taken, the cutting will not have any roots, which is where most plants take their food and moisture through. If the cuttings become too dry they will wilt and die and propagation will have failed.
Therefore, the cuttings should be kept in an atmosphere of high humidity until their new root system has formed, which is done by inserting the cutting as quickly as possible into a rooting medium and then placing the container into a propagator, greenhouse or into a clear, plastic bag or some kind of polythene cover.
Additionally, to retain as much moisture as possible, it is best to take the cuttings early in the morning when the plants are still full of water, and place them in water or in a plastic bag as soon as they have been cut.
Keep the cuttings in a well-lit, sunny place, but out of direct sunlight, so that the sun does not dry them out.
Always remember that although cuttings require constant moisture, they should not be saturated with water at any time.
When a cutting is taken, the cutting will not have any roots, which is where most plants take their food and moisture through. If the cuttings become too dry they will wilt and die and propagation will have failed.
Therefore, the cuttings should be kept in an atmosphere of high humidity until their new root system has formed, which is done by inserting the cutting as quickly as possible into a rooting medium and then placing the container into a propagator, greenhouse or into a clear, plastic bag or some kind of polythene cover.
Additionally, to retain as much moisture as possible, it is best to take the cuttings early in the morning when the plants are still full of water, and place them in water or in a plastic bag as soon as they have been cut.
Keep the cuttings in a well-lit, sunny place, but out of direct sunlight, so that the sun does not dry them out.
Always remember that although cuttings require constant moisture, they should not be saturated with water at any time.
Cuttings compost
Some cuttings root well when simply placed in a glass of water, but mostly cuttings are inserted into a mixed compost comprising peat, sand and loam, which encourages the roots to grow quickly. Check the details for the plants from which you have taken the cuttings and prepare the rooting medium accordingly.
You can buy a ready-made, pre-mixed cuttings compost from your local garden centre or nursery or you can make your own at home.
For a homemade cuttings compost try using one part peat or a peat substitute, and one part sand (washed sharp sand is best) or another free-draining substance such as perlite. Small amounts of lime, dried blood, potassium nitrate and calcium carbonate can also be added.
Vermiculite can also be used instead of perlite, as it promotes rooting and holds moisture well.
Both sand and vermiculite open up the compost, allowing free drainage, which is essential so that the stem ends do not become waterlogged, which also causes complications and damage to the cuttings.
You can buy a ready-made, pre-mixed cuttings compost from your local garden centre or nursery or you can make your own at home.
For a homemade cuttings compost try using one part peat or a peat substitute, and one part sand (washed sharp sand is best) or another free-draining substance such as perlite. Small amounts of lime, dried blood, potassium nitrate and calcium carbonate can also be added.
Vermiculite can also be used instead of perlite, as it promotes rooting and holds moisture well.
Both sand and vermiculite open up the compost, allowing free drainage, which is essential so that the stem ends do not become waterlogged, which also causes complications and damage to the cuttings.
Plant hormones
There are certain chemicals used in gardening that encourage root formation and growth. These chemicals, also known as rooting hormones are often sold in liquid, powder and gel form. The liquid form must be diluted in water before the cutting is left to stand in the solution before being planted.
Many people prefer to use a powder form of rooting hormone, as the cutting in simply dipped in the hormone powder and then immediately inserted into the cuttings compost. Different strengths of rooting hormone are available, depending on whether softwood, half-ripe or hardwood cuttings are used. Try to buy a rooting hormone that contains a fungicide to prevent and protect from disease.
Many people prefer to use a powder form of rooting hormone, as the cutting in simply dipped in the hormone powder and then immediately inserted into the cuttings compost. Different strengths of rooting hormone are available, depending on whether softwood, half-ripe or hardwood cuttings are used. Try to buy a rooting hormone that contains a fungicide to prevent and protect from disease.
After rooting
Once root formation has taken place, the cuttings should be hardened off and replanted in bigger pots or outside in regular general compost and treated as a normal plant.
