Taking and preparing plant cuttings.
Taking and Preparing Plant Cuttings: A Simple Guide
So, you want to start new plants from cuttings? That is a fantastic way to grow your garden without spending a fortune on new plants. Whether you are a Horticulture Trainee or working in a Wholesale Production Nursery, understanding Propagation is a skill that will always come in handy.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process in a way that is easy to understand. By the end, you will know exactly how to take and prepare plant cuttings like an old hand at the nursery.
Why Take Cuttings Instead of Growing from Seeds?
Growing from seeds is great, but it takes time, patience, and sometimes a bit of luck. Cuttings, on the other hand, give you a head start. You are essentially making a clone of a healthy plant, which means:
- It grows faster than a seed.
- You preserve the best traits of the parent plant.
- Some plants do not grow well from seeds, so cuttings are the best option.
If you are working in a Wholesale Production Nursery, using cuttings can mean quicker turnaround times and healthier plants for sale.
Best Plants for Taking Cuttings
Not all plants like to be cloned, but many do! Some of the easiest and most rewarding ones to start with include:
Softwood Cuttings (Spring & Early Summer)
These come from young, flexible growth and root quickly. Examples:
- Herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary
- Flowers like petunias and fuchsias
- Shrubs like hydrangeas
Semi-Hardwood Cuttings (Mid to Late Summer)
A bit tougher than softwood but still fairly easy to root. Examples:
- Lavender
- Camellias
- Boxwood
Hardwood Cuttings (Autumn & Winter)
These come from mature growth and take longer to root. Examples:
- Roses
- Fruit trees like figs and pomegranates
- Grapevines
Picking the right type of cutting at the right time makes all the difference!
How to Take Plant Cuttings the Right Way
Taking a cutting is more than just chopping off a piece of a plant. There is a bit of an art to it (and a little science, too).
Step 1: Pick a Healthy Parent Plant
You want a plant that is disease-free, thriving, and full of life. Avoid plants that look sickly or stressed—your new cutting will only be as strong as its parent.
Step 2: Cut at the Right Spot
- For softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings: Snip a 4-6 inch piece just below a leaf node (that little bump on the stem where leaves grow).
- For hardwood cuttings: Take a 6-12 inch cutting from the older, woody part of the plant.
Step 3: Use the Right Tools
A sharp, clean pair of secateurs or scissors is your best friend. Dirty tools can transfer diseases, so give them a quick wipe with rubbing alcohol before you start.
Step 4: Remove Extra Leaves
Leaves lose moisture, and too many of them will make your cutting wilt before it has a chance to root. Remove the lower leaves, leaving just a couple at the top.
Step 5: Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional but Helpful!)
Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone can speed up the process and increase success rates. It is not always necessary, but it sure helps!
How to Prepare and Plant Your Cuttings
Now that you have your cuttings, what next? It is time to get them settled in.
Step 1: Pick the Right Growing Medium
- Perlite and vermiculite: Great for improving drainage.
- Coconut coir or peat moss: Helps keep moisture in.
- Sand: Works well for plants that hate staying too wet.
A mix of these is ideal—light enough for roots to grow but still holds some moisture.
Step 2: Stick the Cutting in the Soil
Make a small hole with a pencil or stick and gently insert your cutting. Press the soil around it lightly so it stays upright and firm.
Step 3: Keep the Right Conditions
- Moist but not soggy soil—too much water can cause rot.
- Warmth and humidity—placing a clear plastic bag over the cuttings can create a mini greenhouse effect.
- Indirect light—too much sun can dry them out before they root.
Step 4: Be Patient!
Roots can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to form, depending on the plant. Do a gentle tug test—if there is resistance, roots are forming!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even the best gardeners make mistakes. Here are some common slip-ups and how to dodge them:
- Using a dull blade – Always use sharp, clean tools for a clean cut.
- Forgetting to remove excess leaves – Too many leaves = too much moisture loss.
- Overwatering – More plants die from too much water than too little!
- Planting too deep – Cuttings should be just deep enough to stand upright.
- Ignoring humidity – Dry air can kill cuttings before they root. Cover them with a plastic dome or bag to keep humidity high.
When and How to Transplant Your Rooted Cuttings
Once your cuttings have strong roots, it is time to move them to a bigger home.
Signs They Are Ready for Transplanting
- Roots are visible at the bottom of the container.
- The cutting has started growing new leaves.
- It feels firmly anchored when you tug lightly.
How to Transplant Safely
- Fill a small pot with quality potting mix.
- Gently remove the cutting, being careful not to damage the new roots.
- Plant it at the same depth it was in the original container.
- Water lightly and keep in partial shade for a few days before introducing it to full sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Taking and preparing plant cuttings is one of the most satisfying skills in Horticulture. Whether you are working in a Wholesale Production Nursery or just starting in your gardening journey, mastering Propagation will give you the ability to start new plants with confidence.
So, grab your secateurs, find a healthy plant, and give it a shot. Your future garden (and your green thumb) will thank you!
FAQs
1. How long do plant cuttings take to root?
It depends on the plant! Softwood cuttings can root in 2-4 weeks, while hardwood cuttings may take a few months.
2. Do all plants need rooting hormone?
No, but it helps! Some plants, like rosemary and lavender, root faster with it.
3. Can I take cuttings from any plant?
Not all plants grow well from cuttings. Some, like tomatoes, are better started from seeds.
4. Why are my cuttings wilting?
They might be losing too much moisture. Try covering them with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
5. When is the best time to take plant cuttings?
Spring and early summer are best for softwood cuttings, while hardwood cuttings are best taken in late autumn or winter.
