A Guide to Propagating Plants

How to Raise Plant Babies:

A Guide to Propagating by Georgiana Wells

Starting plants from seeds is only one way to add to your garden. Propagating, whether from cuttings, dividing, or growing succulents from pads, can quickly yield mature plants. While it may be more complex and intimidating than working with seeds, this guide can help you get started making plant babies. Not all methods will work for all plants, so it is best to do some research to determine which one is appropriate for the plant you want to replicate.

Cuttings

Tomatoes, rosemary, spider plants, and crepe myrtle are among the best options to reproduce from cuttings. Soft stem plants should be actively growing when replicated, and hardwood trees or shrubs should be dormant. Select mother plants that are healthy, free from insects or disease, and large enough to withstand trimming.

For soft stems, the preferred method is placing the cutting in water to stimulate root growth. To start, gather a clean, sharp knife, a tall, thin container that can hold water for each cutting you plan to create, and enough water to fill the containers. Once your tools are in place, locate a stalk or branch that has at least three to four leaves. Make a diagonal cut just below a node or bump in the stem. Immediately place the cutting in the container and fill with water to just below the bottom leaves, at least several inches. Within a few days roots should appear. Change the water when it becomes cloudy. When the roots grow to about four inches, it is time to transplant your cutting. Use loose potting mix and carefully transfer the cutting to a container that has adequate drainage. Place the container in a spot where it will get

filtered light at first, such as a window sill or outside in partial shade. Water daily until new growth appears, then slowly taper off to an appropriate watering schedule. Once your plant is on a manageable watering schedule, the container can be moved to your preferred sun/shade location for the plant, or it can be transplanted into a permanent location.

To propagate hardwood, you will need a clean, sharp knife, rooting powder, a container with drainage holes that is filled with potting soil, and a pencil to make an appropriate sized hole. To begin, make a diagonal cut below a node on a branch, about four to six inches long. Remove any leaves that may be present. Use the pencil to poke a hole in the soil slightly bigger than the diameter of the cutting. Dip the cut side in the rooting powder and then place it in the container. The cutting should be about two inches deep in the soil. Carefully press the soil around the cutting to ensure that it stays upright. Keep the soil moist and store the container in an area with filtered light. Covering the top with a plastic bag or other dome, like the top half of a soda bottle, can help create a mini greenhouse that will retain heat and moisture. Remove the cover once leaves appear. At this point, roots have developed and the cutting is ready to be transplanted to a larger container. If possible, avoid any drastic changes in watering, temperature, or light conditions for the first few months to minimize shock.

Division

Dividing can be done with a root bound plant, or one that has put out pups, or babies, such as aloe. To divide, you will need work gloves, a clean, sharp knife, containers with potting soil for the new plants, extra soil to fill in the container that the “mother” plant is in, and rooting powder. To start, gently remove the plant from its current container. For shallow-rooted plants like aloe, pups will often start to fall off as you turn it around. Slowly roll the plant on a flat surface and remove the outer pups. Once the mother plant is at an appropriate size for its original container, return it and add soil to fill in. Dip the root side of the pups in rooting powder and carefully place in the prepared containers. Water regularly and keep in indirect light for at least two weeks or until roots form.

Plants that grow by rhizomes, such as foxtail fern, can be divided using the same method. Carefully remove the mother plant from its container and loosen the soil around the root ball. Starting from the base of the plant, slowly separate one section off while trying to preserve as many intact roots as possible. When separating, it may be necessary to either make a clean cut to disentangle roots or break them carefully. As soon as a section is free, carefully place it in the container and cover all the roots with potting soil. If desired, add rooting powder before adding soil. Keep the plant moist and in filtered light for the first week or two until there are no signs of shock.

Pads

Succulents can be propagated from pads or leaves. Fleshy varieties such as jade or nopales are the best candidates. You will need work gloves, containers with cactus soil mix, rooting powder, and a tray that can be used for drying the pads. To start, select healthy, intact pads that are plump and show no signs of damage. Carefully remove the entire pad and set on the tray for two to three days so a callus forms. Once the pads are ready, moisten the soil. Dip the calloused end in water, then in rooting powder. Place it in the soil at about a 45 degree angle. If the leaf is curled, place the pad curled side up. New leaves and roots will form at the base within two to three weeks. Water sparingly to mimic normal cactus conditions.

Starting plants from cuttings can be an exciting way to add to your garden or replicate special plants for loved ones. Spring is the perfect time for growing and experimenting with new techniques. Whether propagating with cuttings or growing from seeds, trial and error is the best teacher. Happy gardening!