How to grow plants through stem cuttings

Not all plants need to be grown from seeds. You can propagate your favorite plants by cutting a stem and growing it into a new plant. The process of growing plants from cuttings usually takes a few weeks, but it's fairly simple to do as long as you follow the correct steps. First, you need to cut a young stem with a new bud. Then, let the stem root in a container of water or a well-drained soil mix. Once roots develop, you can plant the cutting in the soil and watch it grow.

Check if the plant species you want to propagate can be grown from cuttings. Not every plant can be propagated this way. Some popular plants that can be grown from cuttings include: rosemary, mint, basil, tomato, rose, ivy, money tree, and red and yellow spindle tree. You can search online or consult guides at nurseries to confirm if the plant you want to propagate can be grown from cuttings.

Cut a branch from an existing plant. Choose a healthy, disease-free branch from the top of the plant. Use pruning shears to cut it at the base of the branch. Each cutting should be approximately 10-15 cm long.

• Look for young and thin branches, ideally those with new buds. These branches will root more successfully when planted.

Trim large branches and remove two-thirds of the leaves. Leaves and buds can hinder root development, which is essential for the branch to grow into a full plant. Use garden shears to cut off branches with buds and trim two-thirds of the leaves.

• If the remaining leaves on the branch begin to wither while the cutting is rooting, it indicates that the newly planted branch is dying.

Make a 30-degree angled cut at the base of larger and woody branches. Cut the base of the branch at an angle. This will help you remember which end goes into the soil. If you're planting an herb, you can skip this step.

Determine whether to place the cutting in water or plant it directly in soil. Woody plants with thicker branches will root better in soil. Smaller herb plants like basil, mint, and rosemary can initially root in water. Choose the method best suited for the plant you're propagating.

• You can use the soil propagation method for both woody and herbaceous cuttings.

Peel the bark from the lower part of the branch of a hardwood tree. Scrape off the outermost layer of bark near the bottom of the branch. Be careful not to cut too deep to avoid damaging the branch. This step encourages roots to form at the base of the new plant. If you're planting herbs, you can skip this step.

Dip the end of the branch into rooting hormone, if desired. You can purchase rooting hormone gel or powder from nurseries or online. This step can help the branch root more quickly.

Insert the branch into a pot filled with a planting mix. The loose texture of sand and perlite creates an ideal environment for root development. You can also mix potting soil with perlite or vermiculite. Use a pencil to make a hole in the soil and place the bottom of the branch into it.

• Ready-made planting mixes are available at nurseries.
• Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.

Water the planting mix thoroughly. Make sure the soil is well-watered. Newly planted branches need plenty of water at the start before roots develop.

• Water should not form pools on the surface. If there is standing water, it means the pot you’re using lacks drainage holes.

Cover the pot with a plastic bag. Use tape or a tie to secure the plastic over the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the plant. This step helps increase humidity around the branch, encouraging it to grow.

Wait 2-3 weeks for the roots to form. Place the pot in a location with light but avoid direct sunlight. Within 2-3 weeks, roots will begin to grow at the bottom of the branch. You can carefully check beneath the branch to feel if roots have started to form. If no roots are visible, you will need to cut another branch and try again.

Plant the branch in the soil once the roots have formed. Once the roots have developed at the bottom of the branch, it’s time to move the plant to a permanent spot. Use a small shovel to dig around the branch, being careful not to cut the roots. Remove the plant from the pot and place it in its new location.

• Research online about how to care for the type of plant you are growing.

Dip the end of the branch in rooting hormone, if desired. Rooting hormone can help accelerate the growth of the plant. You can purchase rooting hormone gel or powder from nurseries and dip the bottom of the branch in it.

• Be cautious not to inhale the rooting hormone powder.

Place the branch in a bottle of water for about 2 weeks. Put the bottom of the branch into a bottle or cup of water. In 1-2 weeks, the branch will start to form roots.

Plant the branch into the soil once the roots begin to develop. Remove the branch from the water and insert it into well-draining soil, such as perlite or vermiculite. Keep the branch in a dark place for 2-3 days to prevent the plant from using energy for photosynthesis during this period.

Place the plant in a sunny location and water it as needed. If you are growing the plant indoors, water it every 2-3 days. For outdoor planting, ensure the plant is in an area that gets enough sunlight. Research online or refer to nursery guides for care and maintenance of newly planted trees.