Cuttings are a popular vegetative method of propagating plants. This involves deliberately cutting off a part of the mother plant in order to grow a new plant from it. Taking cuttings is both easy and inexpensive, as there is no need to buy seeds or new plants.
What are cuttings?
Cuttings vs. Offshoots
Although the terms cuttings and offshoots are often confused or used interchangeably, there is one key difference. Cuttings are a method of propagation by offshoots that is different from runners or suckers. While the latter are developed by the plant itself, cuttings are cut parts of the plant that must form their own roots.
types of cuttings
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Top cutting: The upper, severed part of the plant, usually the shoot tip.
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Leaf cutting: A single leaf of the mother plant, with or without a stem.
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Stem cutting: A piece of the trunk or stem that contains at least one closed bud.
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Partial cutting: The middle part of the shoot of a plant that is cut at the top and bottom.
How to Propagate by Cuttings
- The right time: The best time to take cuttings is in spring and summer. The beginning of the growth period ensures that the cutting can form roots more quickly. The warm weather offers optimal conditions for the growth of your new plant.
- Choosing a suitable cutting: Where you should cut cuttings on your plant depends on the type of cutting (partial, stem, leaf or head cutting). The mother plant and the shoot should be healthy and strong. Make sure that there are no diseases or pests.
- The correct cut: The cutting should be about 10 to 15 cm long and contain at least one leaf node. Cut slightly diagonally directly under such a node. Use a sharp, clean tool to cut the cutting to minimize injury to the plant. The cutting must not be crushed! Remove the lower leaves or excess flowers to reduce evaporation.
- Root the cutting in water: Place the cut cutting in a glass of lukewarm water to allow roots to form. Place the container in a bright place without direct sunlight. Change the water every 2-3 days. After a few weeks, clearly visible roots should form on your cutting.
- Planting the cutting: As soon as the cutting has formed sufficient roots, it is ready to be planted. Place it in a pot with suitable substrate (e.g. potting soil). Keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging. You can also plant the cutting directly in soil. However, this requires the right substrate and more patience, as root formation takes longer than in water.
Problems with rooting of cuttings
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Lack of patience : Depending on the type of plant, it may take longer for your cutting to root.
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Rot : Remember to change the water regularly.
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Incorrect cut: The cutting was cut incorrectly or uncleanly (e.g. missing leaf node or frayed cutting edge).
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Unsuitable cutting : The cutting comes from a damaged or weakened mother plant or there are still too many leaves on the cutting.
Which plants are suitable for propagation by cuttings?
Many plants can be easily propagated by cuttings and have a high rooting success rate.
- Houseplants : Monstera , Pothos, Philodendron , various Ficus species
- Herbs : basil, rosemary, mint, sage
- Garden plants : hydrangeas, geraniums, petunias
- Shrubs : lavender, currants, raspberries, roses
Using cuttings from these plants, you can easily enrich your home or garden with new plants.
