Tips for propagating your plants with cuttings
What I like most about having plants is that I can multiply them at will. If I want to create a corner in my house where the air is purer, thanks to the action of my maranta tricolor and sanseviera, I can reproduce them until I create a small jungle.
No matter what your plans are, you should know that one of the easiest and most popular ways to reproduce your plants is through cuttings. This is a form of asexual propagation that will allow you to get new plants in record time, which will also be an exact replica of the original plant. Get ready to become an expert in propagation through cuttings with these tricks.
Some say that the Chinese money plant attracts good fortune, especially if it is given as a gift, so I might as well multiply my plant and give it as a gift to all my friends.
The basics: cuttings 101
A cutting is a living, tender part of the plant, which thanks to environmental conditions will be able to develop roots and become a new plant. Cuttings can be taken from stems, shoots, branches and even leaves. The important thing is that it is a living part and in perfect condition.
It is important to know if the plant you want to reproduce can be done by this method. You should also know how to take a good cutting, as this will determine the success of the task. To reproduce by cutting, you will need a pair of pruning shears, a pruning saw or a sharp, clean cutter, as well as the substrate in which you will place the cuttings. Some plants can be planted directly into the soil, while others are better to stimulate root growth in water.
Remember that plant reproduction is a process of trial and error. There are no universal laws, because plant behaviour depends on variables such as climate, soil, species, among others. Don't be afraid of failure.
Tricks to make perfect cuttings
Cutting the cutting
- Choose a piece of the branch that looks healthy. Much better if you see some buds, which are the thickening from which leaves, flowers or stems sprout. Look for one that has more than 3.
- The cutting of the cutting should be done with a sharp scissors or cutter, to avoid mistreating the branch and the cutting. Cut about 10 to 15 cm of stem.
- The buds develop almost immediately into roots, so take advantage of this by making a diagonal cut just below the bud to provide enough area for root development.
- If your cutting has leaves, don't be afraid to cut them off. Leave just a couple. This will allow all the plant's energy to concentrate on creating roots, which is what we are interested in for healthy, strong plants, and you will avoid water loss.
- You can make cuttings from the leaves. Plants such as sanseviera, succulents such as jade, African violets and others can be propagated with leaves. Look for a healthy leaf and a stem of several centimetres. In the case of succulents, they should not be broken.
Planting the cutting
- Creating seedbeds or containers for cuttings is the perfect excuse to recycle. You can use anything from egg cartons to Keurig capsules for smaller seedlings, such as cacti. Just fill them with well-aerated, composted substrate to promote rooting.
- The use of water vs. substrate for making cuttings is a never-ending discussion. From my experience, I believe both are effective depending on the type of plant to be propagated. For example, croton, succulent varieties such as sedum, a potato cutting, zamioculcas and mother-in-law's tongue do very well in water. You can do your own experiments.
- Some people use special fertilisers to stimulate rooting. They are not essential, but if you want to use them, you can find many options on the market.
- If you are going to leave the cuttings in water, you can use glass containers. Fill them with water and submerge only part of the stem. If it is too wide or if you are using short stem leaves, you can use a piece of plastic film or aluminium foil to cover the container. Perflate the container and place the cuttings in it. This way they will be submerged without getting soggy.
- Avoid sticking the cuttings in the soil, it is better to open the soil with your finger and gently push them in.
when to take cuttings?
- Cuttings are sensitive to temperature and humidity, they need a mild climate in order to develop strong roots. For this reason the spring and autumn months are perfect for this process.
- You can take advantage of pruning your plant at these times and use the parts that are left to make cuttings. are you transplanting your succulent and some of its leaves have fallen off? Put them in water to have new plants.
The best plants for cuttings
When we tell you that almost all plants can be propagated by cuttings, we are not exaggerating. The easiest to propagate are potos, crotons, succulents and cacti in general. You can also try plants that purify the environment:
- Potos
- Peace Lilies
- Calathea Roeopicta
- Clathea Lancifolia
- Adam's Rib
- Calathea triostar
Plants that bring good luck
- Rose bushes
- Chinese Money Plant
- Sage
Indoor plants
- Olive tree plants
- Zamioculcas plant
- Ficus lyrata or leaf fig tree
- Euphorbia ingens or candelabra tree
The options are limitless and it is very satisfying to watch your new seedlings grow. Get excited about creating your own tropical corner or lucky plants to give to all your colleagues.