Successful Plant Cutting

A great way to propagate perennials is to take stem cuttings from the desired plant and caring for the cutting until it is ready to be a plant of its own. Here are some steps toward successfully growing perennial plants from those stem cuttings.

Step One: Choose a plant or plants that you would like to take cuttings from. Be sure to select a plant that is healthy and thriving. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut a two- to six-inch segment from the top of a mature stem of the plant(s) you have chosen. Try to make the cut around a quarter inch below a joint where a leaf joins a stem, known as a node.

Step Two: Pinch off any flowers or buds that might be on the cutting. This will result in the cutting devoting all of its resources to the development of roots. Pinch off the leaves toward the bottom of the cutting as well, making sure that at least the bottom inch is bare.

Step Three: Fill a container appropriately sized for the cutting with sterile rooting medium. I generally use Sphagnum moss, but you can also use perlite, sand or vermiculite. Wet the rooting medium well and be sure that the container has good drainage. If you have chosen to use sand tamp the sand down after wetting it and then wet it again.

Step Four: I suggest using powdered rooting stimulant, which can be found in any garden center. To do so simply dip the bottom of the cutting in water, then the powered stimulant and shaking off any excess powder. This is not required, but it will increase the quality of root growth and therefore the health and size of the new plant.

Step Five: Poke a hole, around one inch deep, into your rooting medium for each cutting. Insert your cutting; gently secure it in place with the rooting medium and water well.

Step Six: Cover the container with clear plastic and place the newly potted cutting in a bright area. But be careful to keep the cutting out of prolonged direct sunlight since that would cook your young plant.

Step Seven: Keep a close eye on your cuttings, being sure to water as needed. When you see the first new leaves appear remove the plastic from the plant so that the plant can get used to fresh air. A few days after you remove the plastic, gently remove a cutting from the rooting medium. Take a close look at the emerging roots. If the roots are at least half an inch long the plants are ready to be moved to their permanent home. If the roots are shorter than the half inch carefully return the cutting to the rooting medium and give the young plant a little more time and pampering.