Unlike animals, many plants can regenerate from a single bit of themselves. Usually it’s a piece of stem but it can be a root or even a leaf. Many perennial plants are grown from root cuttings, while Rex begonias and African violets can be grown from a single leaf.
Plants that are grown from a cutting are the same as the plant they were taken from and are literally clones of the original plant.
The part of the stem that forms new roots and shoots is called a node. These growing points produce leaves, flowers or shoots when the plant is growing normally but, if a bit with two or more nodes is cut away and planted, the nodes can be encouraged to grow roots or shoots.
In some cases, roots are encouraged by the addition of a growth hormone (sold as a rooting powder or gel) but often just burying the cutting in propagating mix and providing the best growing conditions stimulates root formation without the need for additives.
At this time of the year, plants are grown from ripe wood that has hardened off after the spring or summer growth spurt. This type of cutting is called semi-hardwood. Plants can also be grown from new growth (soft tip cuttings) or from old wood (hardwood cuttings).
To be sure of success start with a healthy piece of plant and use clean, sterile materials from secateurs to pot and propagating mix. Put cuttings into a pot filled with a well-drained propagating medium, which can be bought at the nursery, or a mix of coco peat and propagating sand.
To prepare the cutting, remove the lower leaves and cut beneath a node using sharp secateurs. Nip out any buds or flowers and also remove large leaves. This is done to reduce transpiration.
Before planting, dip the base of the cutting in a rooting hormone gel or powder. Use a dibbler – such as a chopstick – to make a hole in the mix in which to insert the cutting. This reduces damage to the base of the cutting.
Push it down into the mix so there are several nodes in the soil. You can put several cuttings in a single pot. Water your cuttings well with a seaweed solution. Don’t forget to pop in a label with the plant name and date written on it as a record.
To provide a moist environment for growth, use bent wire or more chopsticks to create a support for a plastic bag, which can be popped over to make a mini greenhouse.
Place the pot of cuttings in a foam box or just stand it out of direct light.
Check the cuttings regularly and remove any diseased leaves or cuttings.
Mist occasionally especially if it is hot.
Taking a cutting is a cheap and easy way to grow new plants but there are lots of other reasons to try your hand at growing a cutting.
Like this? Try our other gardening ideas:
Want more? Check out: How to grow plants from garden cuttings.
Planning a wedding? Look no further! We've put together a...
A historic retreat in the Southern Highlands that combines...
Home of Lydia Nettlefold, Cherry Tree Cottage has been...
No-one can resist a slice of chocolate cake. Made with rich,...
There is a magnolia for every garden, even small ones.