Propagation: Stem Cuttings
Paige Miller
Materials
- Container to hold potting medium
- Plastic bag
- Stakes
- Rooting powder (optional)
- Plant cutting
Procedure
- Cut off a section of stem
- Remove the lower leaves
- Dip the lower part into a rooting hormone if available
- Fill the container with potting mixture, allowing about 1/4 inch from the top of the container to make watering easier
- Make a hole in the center of the potting mixture with a pencil or nail
- Insert the cutting into the hole
- Gently push the soil around the stem to give it stability and to prevent air pockets in the soil
- Cover the cutting with a plastic bag
- Insert a stake such as a plastic knife to hold the plastic away for the cutting
- Secure the bag with a twist tie
- Place the container under a bright light or fluorescent light
- Remove the bag in 2-3 weeks and test that the plant is rooted by gently pulling