Propagation
the power of a cutting
A plant cutting can be an exchange between two friends, a souvenir from a trip taken, an experiment (i.e. the large leaved Ficus Audrey below), or maybe you’re just interested in producing plants with minimal effort and in the most inexpensive method possible — through asexual plant reproduction. This type of reproduction requires no need to produce a flower, attract any pollinators or the necessity of seed dispersal. It’s simply the birth of an offspring that is genetically identical to its parent plant since it does not require mixing male and female reproductive cells.
Needless to say, asexual plant reproduction is real magic — all you need is a cutting, water or potting medium, and most importantly, patience.
I’ve got plants cuttings for all of the reasons above. Some cuttings have thrived and matured into adult plants that have eventually produced their own offshoots while others have struggled and become destined to the compost. My most sacred plant started out as a tiny Aloe Vera cutting that I brought back to New York after my dad passed away. It came from his own collection of desert plants that as far back as I can remember, he coveted and loved for so many years. It’s my most valuable keepsake that has grown, adapted and transformed over time.
The water method
Some plant cuttings propagate in water — these are usually plants with thick, fleshy stems and leaves. Many stems will have something called a “node” or those tiny bumps along the stem, this is where new roots will develop. Simply place the cutting in water and make sure that the nodes are under water level at all times. Change out the water weekly to keep it fresh and soon enough you’ll see those roots appear.
The greenhouse method
Some plants need a “mini-greenhouse” to maintain humidity levels and thus promote growth. This moist environment can easily be created by simply using a ziplock bag. The Ludisia discolor aka “Jewel orchid” pictured above was taken from my mother-in-law’s plant in Sweden. I wrapped the cutting in moist sphagnum moss, laid it horizontally in the ziplock bag and gave it a small opening for air ventilation. Within weeks, the cutting had grown fuzzy, white roots. If you are doing the greenhouse method, check every few days that the moss (or soil) does not dry out.
The soil method
Some plant cuttings want to get their start in soil and do not need water or moisture to promote new root growth — a common example are desert plants. Once you’ve got a severed piece of the parent plant, let the cut end dry out or “callus over” for 5–7 days. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight during this time. Once it’s dried over simply place the cutting in desert soil. Be sure to use gloves or tongs when handling plants with stickers or spines.
It’s important to hold off on watering immediately after potting as this period will encourage the plant to grow roots. After 1–3 weeks have passed, give the cutting a good soaking so that water runs out from the bottom drain hole. After becoming established, some cuttings will eventually product their own offshoots.
Unlike the water or greenhouse methods, you will not easily see if roots have started to grow. A way to check this is to wait 2–3 weeks after planting and then give your cutting a gentle tug. If there is a any resistance, you will feel that it has successfully rooted.
Once you start propagating through plant cuttings, you‘ll probably find it hard to stop. All you have to do is create the right growing environment for your orphan cuttings, sit back and let the plant do the work.
Biophilia is a collective of plant professionals. It is also a publication. We publish new articles, photos, and how-to’s here several times a week. We welcome submissions, feedback, seed packets and dandelion fluff. Kindly address all those things to >> plantsvnature@gmail.com.
