Different types of cuttings are taken from different parts of plants. The main types are hardwood cuttings for roses and bougainvillea, softwood and greenwood cuttings for fuchsias, gardenias and pelargoniums and leaf cuttings for begonias, gunnera and African violets. In about three weeks you should be able to replant the cutting into a bigger container.
Taking the cutting
Take several cuttings as one many not survive. Choose the strongest ones to replant in your garden.
You’ll need: secateurs or a sharp knife for a clean cut; a pencil or stick to prepare a hole in your rooting medium; a pot or container to place the rooting medium in; rooting hormone powder or liquid which helps the plant sprout roots; a large clear plastic bag to keep in moisture (larger than the size of your container); sharp sand like coarse silica sand.
- Wash the silica sand with clean water in a bucket or wheelbarrow to remove toxins. Now add peat or compost to help retain moisture.
- Add the medium to the container and water well.
- Take the cutting from the parent plant. Choose a healthy looking stem or leaf. Cuttings should be about 100mm to 200mm long and 300mm for hardwood. The end of the twig is the top section and the point that is closest to the roots is the base. Don’t place them upside down or they won’t grow!
- Dip the base of the cutting into the rooting hormone.
- Make a hole in the medium using the stick. Make sure this hole is wider than the width of the cutting and about 50mm deep. Never push the end of the cutting into the soil as this damages the cambium layer which is essential for rooting.
- Add water to the medium.
- Place the bag over the top of your cutting to form a hothouse. Use sticks or wire to support the plastic bag and stop the bag from squashing the cuttings.
- Place the container in a shady spot and water daily.
Rooting should take place in about three weeks. To test for roots, hold the top of the cutting between two fingers and give it a very gentle pull to feel if there are roots holding the cutting in the soil. When roots have formed and there are signs of new growth on the stalk, gently remove it from the medium and plant out into a bigger container in potting soil.
Water your new plant regularly and watch for the first new leaves as they begin to sprout. This is a good sign that your have taken the cutting correctly and that your new plant will survive.
