Not all plants have to come from seeds. If you have a specimen you like, you can get another from one of its branches. It takes a couple of weeks for a cutting to begin to take root, but it's pretty straightforward if you follow the right steps. First, you will need to cut off a young stem that is growing, then you will need to encourage the development of a new root system by using a water bottle and a porous substrate. Once the roots have emerged, all you have to do is transplant the cutting and wait for the new plant to grow.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Making the Cutting
Step 1. Find out if your chosen species can grow from a cutting
Not all plants can be reproduced this way. The most popular ones obtained from cuttings include rosemary, mint, basil, tomatoes, roses, English ivy, aglaonema, dogwood and dogwood. Look up information on the internet or in a gardening guide to make sure the plant you want to propagate can grow from a cutting.
Step 2. Cut a branch of the existing plant
Choose a healthy, disease-free one at the top of the plant. Cut it out at the base using garden shears. Each cutting should be about 10-15cm long.
Look for a young, thin branch that possibly has new leaves and shoots. Cuttings of this type guarantee the best results, once buried
Step 3. Cut off the larger secondary branches and two thirds of the leaves
These elements inhibit the development of new roots, which are necessary to obtain a plant from a cutting. Remove secondary branches and two-thirds of the leaves with garden shears.
If the remaining leaves begin to die as the roots grow, it means that the new plant will not be able to survive
Step 4. Cut off the base of the larger, woody branches at a 30 ° angle
Make an angled cut at the bottom of the cutting. This way, you will remember which side is the bottom and it will be easier to bury it later. If you are growing a herbaceous plant, you can skip this step.
Step 5. Decide whether to grow the cutting in water or soil
The roots of larger plants, with thick, hard branches, are known as woody cuttings and grow best in a solid substrate. Conversely, you can initially root smaller plants, such as basil, mint, and rosemary in the water. Choose the method that best applies to your chosen plant.
You can use the solid substrate method for both woody and herbaceous cuttings
Method 2 of 3: Use the Solid Substrate Method
Step 1. Remove the bark at the bottom of a woody cutting
Scrape the top layer of the bark at the lowest part of the cutting, using garden shears. Make sure you don't make too deep cuts or you could damage the branch. This way, you encourage root growth at the base of the plant. If you are planting herbaceous cuttings, you can skip this step.
Step 2. If desired, dip the end of the cutting into a rooting hormone
Purchase this gel or powder product at garden stores or on the internet. By using it to cover the bottom of the cutting, you can speed up rooting.
Step 3. Transplant the cutting into a pot filled with substrate
The porosity of the sand and perlite make them ideal materials in which to grow cuttings. If you prefer, you can use a potting mix consisting of perlite or vermiculite. Push a pencil into the substrate to make a suitable hole for the cutting, then insert the bottom half into the pot.
- You can purchase the substrate at garden or hardware stores.
- Use a pot with drainage holes in the bottom.
Step 4. Water the substrate well
Saturate it so that it is completely wet. The new cutting needs a lot of water before the roots begin to form.
There should be no puddles of water on the substrate surface. In this case, it means that you are not using the right material or that the pot does not have drainage holes
Step 5. Secure a plastic bag over the pot
Cover the pot with plastic and secure it with a string or tape, but make sure it doesn't touch the plant. By doing this, you will create a very humid environment inside the plastic which will stimulate root growth.
Step 6. Wait 2-3 weeks for roots to form
Keep the cutting in a well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight. After 2 to 3 weeks, new roots should have formed at the bottom of the cutting, which you should feel by gently feeling the plant with your hands. If not, you will need to make a new cutting and start the operation again.
Step 7. Transplant the cutting once the roots have formed
When the roots at the bottom of the new plant have sprouted, the new plant is ready to be moved to its final location. Gently dig it up with a small spade, making sure you don't break the new roots. Take it out of the pot and put it in the ground.
Search the internet for how to care for your specific plant
Method 3 of 3: Grow the Cuttings in Water
Step 1. If desired, dip the end of the cutting into the rooting hormone
Products of this type can promote the growth of a new plant. Purchase them in gel or powder form at garden stores and use them to coat the bottom end of the cutting.
Avoid inhaling powdered rooting hormone
Step 2. Place the cutting in a bottle full of water for up to 2 weeks
Insert the lower end of the new plant into a bottle or glass of water. Over the course of a week or two, new roots should form from the bottom of the cutting.
Step 3. Once the roots have grown, transplant the cutting into the soil
Take it from the water and place the bottom end in a light substrate that includes perlite or vermiculite. Store it in a dark environment for 2 to 3 days, so it doesn't waste energy on photosynthesis.
Step 4. If necessary, place the plant in a sunlit area and water it
If you have decided to grow it indoors, you should water it every 2-3 days. If you keep it outdoors, make sure it's in a spot that gets enough sunlight. Search a gardening guide or the internet for the correct way to take care of your new plant.
