Propagation by Cuttings

Don't just run out and start taking cuttings off your plant! As with all gardening technique, cutting propagation, (like cutting edge, cutting propagation, get it... hmm oh, okay...) takes at least a little forethought. Getting your supplies together for instance. I was so excited when I heard about this technique a bunch of years ago that I went right out with my kitchen knife and went at it. But the time I'd come back with the other things I needed, the hot sun had done it's work. Don't butcher your plants, handle them carefully.

By far the best time to take cuttings is when the plant has started the active growth cycle in early spring, whatever time of the year that means for you. The 'base' or 'stock' plant should be full and healthy to ensure the health of your new ones.

Using a sharp clean knife, (did I mention it should be really sharp?)take a cutting 3 or 4 inches in length from the top growing tips or vigorous side shoots. The cut should be made at a bit of an angle, just below a node. Trim off any flower buds and the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving a stem with 3-4 leaves at the tip.

Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone and insert the cutting deep enough into sterile moist sand, vermiculite or sphagnum moss that it will support itself. At least one node must be buried, but it is better if there are 2-3 nodes covered. (The nodes are where the new roots will emerge from.) Water the rooting medium well.

Create a mini-greenhouse over the container with poly film over a wire frame (an old aquarium works very well for this) and place it in a bright, warm spot (NOT full sun). Keep the cuttings at a minimum temperature of 72 degrees, and you will be rewarded with several new plants in just a few weeks.

Remember one thing above all. Pretend you are getting a splinter out of your child's finger. Would you do that with a dull knife or worse even, a dull knife and dirty tweezers? And why not? Right... it spreads bacteria and causes infection So remember, cleanliness is critical. extremely important.