Stem, Root and Leaf Cuttings
Even after all these years, I can’t help be humbled by the miracle of vegetative propagation.
This method is a favorite of professional growers because it turns out very large numbers of identical clones, and it is especially valuable for speeding up the propagation of slow-growing plants like roses and woody shrubs.
Pick a healthy stem, still green and flexible, cut it into 6 inch sections with one or two growth buds, bruise the lower end, dip it in rooting hormone or honey and plant it. The aerial part of the stem should be pruned at a forty-five degree angle away from a growth bud, and about a quarter of an inch above it. The growth medium and the plant must not be allowed to dry out while the plant sprouts new roots.
Root cuttings are done essentially the same way, except each section has to have eyes instead of aerial growth buds.
Garden herbs, like rosemary, mint, thyme, sage, lemon balm and basil, are happy to sprout in water, next to a sunny window.
Changing the water every day is essential to their successful rooting, as it discourages bacterial growth and provides the plants with fresh oxygen.
Last but not least, plants like hydrangeas and African violets can be propagated from leaves. Bury their stems and water them regularly and new plants will emerge.
For all methods, the only gauge of success is seeing fresh growth, a process which can take weeks or months.
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