How to Propagate Plants Using Stem Cuttings
One of the great joys of gardening is propagating new plants. There are many ways to do this, but one of the easiest is by snipping off a piece of stem, placing it in a potting medium, and nurturing the cutting until roots develop. At that point, you can transplant the rooted cutting into a pot or directly into the garden.
Why Use Stem Cuttings?
Propagating through stem cuttings is a form of cloning because the new plant will be an exact genetic match to the parent plant. That’s not always the case with the other popular way to propagate plants—collecting seeds, germinating them, and planting. Many hybrid plants produce seeds that don’t “grow true” to the parent plants, so rooting stem cuttings is the most reliable way to propagate hybrid plants.
What Plants Can Be Propagated with Stem Cuttings?
Rooting stem cuttings is most often used to propagate houseplants, but there are many garden plants that you can propagate using this method. In cold climates, cuttings from tender garden plants, such as coleus or impatiens, can be taken in late fall, rooted indoors during the winter, and then planted outdoors in spring. And though it’s a bit more difficult, many woody plants can also be propagated by snipping stem cuttings and rooting them.
How to Root Stem Cuttings
There are two ways to root stem cuttings: placing them in water or embedding them in potting soil or another growing medium. Many plants, such as coleus, spider plant, and pothos, will readily root in water. But the water method can cause the roots to be quite fragile, and some plants resist rooting in water altogether. It’s generally best to root your cuttings in some type of potting medium if possible.
When to Take Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken and rooted at almost any time, but the technique is more successful when the plant is not in full bloom. When your goal is to propagate outdoor garden plants over winter, take your cuttings after the plant’s bloom period is over in fall, or trim off any flowers or flower buds from the stem you are snipping off. A stem cutting that contains flowers or flower buds is putting too much energy into flower production to allow for good root development.
Tips for Taking Cuttings
* For shrubs and other woody plants, rooting via stem cuttings is most likely to succeed if you take cuttings from new growth that has not yet become woody.
* April through June is usually the best time to take cuttings from woody plants.
* Using a rooting hormone is essential when attempting to root cuttings from woody plants.
Preparing for Propagation
Before getting started, make sure you have the right materials and equipment.
* Every plant species has an ideal type of potting mix that works best for rooting its cuttings.
* Use a sterile “soil-less” growing medium to minimize the risk of soil pathogens.
* Research the specific needs of the plant species you are trying to propagate.
What You’ll Need
* Sharp knife, scissors, or pruners
* Small trowel
* Pencil or sharp stick
* Soilless potting mix
* Planting tray or small pots
* Rooting hormone (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Take Cuttings From a Healthy Plant
Cut a 3- to 6-inch-long piece from a healthy portion of the parent plant’s stem, using a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem at a 45-degree angle. This angled cut will maximize the area available for roots to develop.
2. Trim the Leaves and Apply Rooting Hormone
Remove the leaves from the bottom node of the stem cutting. Usually, you can simply snap off the leaves. Make sure to retain at least three to four leaves on the stem cutting.
As an optional step, apply a powdered or gel rooting hormone to the trimmed end of the cutting and to the area where the leaves were removed.
3. Plant the Cuttings
Prepare a planting tray or small pots with soilless potting medium, such as a seed-starter mix or vermiculite. Poke a hole in the medium with a pencil. Then, insert the end of each cutting into the growing medium and lightly tamp the mix around the stem of the cutting to hold it upright.
4. Tend the Cuttings
Most plants will not root well in full sun, so place the cuttings in a location where they will receive a 50/50 ratio of shade to dappled sunlight. For most plants, cuttings thrive on warmth and humidity, and the growing medium should be kept evenly moist but not drenched while roots develop.
Inspect the cuttings every two weeks, looking for new leaf growth and root development. If flower buds or blooms develop, pinch them off.
5. Transfer the Cuttings
When you see that new leaf growth is developing along the stem of the cutting, it usually means that healthy new roots are established. Once you feel resistance when slightly tugging on the cutting, it means the roots are sufficiently developed. At this point, you can transfer the cutting to a new pot with fresh potting soil.
Tips for Transferring Cuttings
* Remove leaves that turn brown or black as the stems are rooting.
* Discard any cuttings that turn soft or show other signs of rot or fungal disease.
Moving New Plants Outdoors
When it’s time to move the new plants you propagated from rooted cuttings to the outdoors, it is essential to gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions—a process known as hardening off.
1. Place plants outside for only one to two hours the first few days and gradually increase the time exposure.
2. Place plants outdoors during the warmer part of the day, but bring them back indoors during the cool nights.
3. Gradually, the plant will become accustomed to the outdoor environment.
4. Once nighttime temperatures are reliably at 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer all night, your new plants can be safely planted in the garden.
30 Plants That Grow From Cuttings in Soil
- Coleus
- Spider plant
- Pothos
- Impatiens
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Chamomile
- Marigold
- Dahlia
- Geranium
- Hydrangea
- Rhododendron
- Azalea
- Peace lily
- Snake plant
- Dracaena
- Philodendron
- Cucumber
- Tomato
- Pepper
- Eggplant
- Okra
- Squash
- Melons
- Herbs like basil, oregano, and mint
Conclusion
Propagating plants using stem cuttings is a fun and rewarding experience. With the right tools, equipment, and knowledge, you can successfully root stem cuttings and grow new plants. Remember to research the specific needs of the plant species you are trying to propagate, and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Happy propagating!
What are stem cuttings?
Stem cuttings are a piece of stem from a plant that is used to propagate a new plant.
Why use stem cuttings?
Using stem cuttings is a reliable way to propagate plants as it produces exact genetic matches to the parent plant.
What plants can be propagated with stem cuttings?
Many garden plants, houseplants, and some woody plants can be propagated using stem cuttings.
How do you root stem cuttings?
Stem cuttings can be rooted in water or in a potting medium like a soilless mix.
When should you take stem cuttings?
Best time is usually after the plant’s bloom period is over or when the plant is not in full bloom.
What materials do you need for stem cutting propagation?
Sharp knife, scissors, pruners, soilless potting mix, planting tray, rooting hormone (optional).
What is a rooting hormone?
A rooting hormone is a solution used to stimulate root growth on cuttings.
How do you plant stem cuttings?
Cut a piece of stem, remove leaves from the lower part, apply rooting hormone (optional), and insert the cutting into potting medium.
How do you care for cuttings after planting?
Place in a shaded area, keep medium moist, and monitor for signs of root growth and new leaf development.
When do you transfer rooted cuttings?
Transfer when you feel resistance when slightly tugging on the cutting and see new leaf growth.
Why is hardening off important?
Hardening off gradually acclimatizes new plants to outdoor conditions, reducing the risk of damage.
Which plants are good for rooting in soil?
Examples include coleus, spider plant, pothos, lavender, rosemary, thyme, herbs like basil, mint, and many more.
