Plant Propagation by Rooting Plants from Cuttings

About Rooting Plants from Cuttings

A common way to grow new plants from existing ones is by taking cuttings and rooting them in water. It is generally known as “plant rooting” or “growing cuttings”. Propagating and growing new plants from root cuttings cuttings is possible with a wide range of houseplants, bushes, and shrubs. For bushes and shrubs, if the stems are soft wooded, chances are they can be rooted, to grow new plants. I always tell growers when in doubt, to give it a try.

Rooting new plants is easy, too. Root most cuttings in water. Roses are the most notable exception. Root roses in moist soil.

How to Root Plants from Cuttings

Here is how most plants are rooted…..

Cut a few 5-6 inch cuttings from the plant.
Select new, soft wooded growth.
Add one to two inches of water in a glass or jar.
Place cuttings in the glass of water.
Add more water as the level goes down.
Watch for root growth.
After roots appear, wait until they get about 1/2″ long.
Plant rooted cuttings into a container or directly into your garden.

Did you know? Propagation by cuttings in a sense is “cloning”. It results in a genetic match with the mother (or donor) plant.

Root separation, or separating roots, is similar, yet different. This is commonly practiced with perennial flower plants. Many perennial flowers are spread by their root system. They get overcrowded and need thinning from time to time. Often, a friend sees the perennials and expresses interest in some of the beautiful plants. Eager to oblige a friend, gardeners will dig up and separate the roots, giving some of the roots to their friends.