Taking cuttings is an economical and enjoyable way to propagate plants yourself. The technique involves taking part of a plant and encouraging it to develop new roots so that it can grow into a new plant. There are several propagation methods, including cuttings in soil, cuttings in water, heel cuttings and cuttings taken with a small section of older wood. How can you take successful cuttings? Discover the main techniques and practical tips for encouraging successful rooting.
How to take successful cuttings in soil
Rooting cuttings directly in soil is a traditional method commonly used for perennials, shrubs and many woody plants. Because the cutting develops its roots directly in the growing medium, it does not need to adapt from water to soil later. However, the best method and timing depend on the plant species. Here is how to take successful cuttings in soil.
Cuttings in soil: step by step
Many softwood and semi-ripe cuttings are taken between spring and autumn. Depending on the plant, you can generally follow these steps:
- Take a healthy young shoot approximately 10 to 15 cm long from the parent plant;
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem;
- Insert the cutting into a light, loose and well-draining propagation mix;
- Water gently without saturating the growing medium;
- Keep the substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged while roots are developing;
- Repot or plant out only once a sufficiently strong root system has formed.
Good to know: whether a cutting remains upright is not, on its own, a reliable sign that it has successfully rooted. New leaves, new shoots or gentle resistance when the cutting is very lightly moved are better indicators. Rooting hormone can be used for suitable plant species to encourage root development. Since not every cutting will succeed, it is often worth preparing several at the same time.
Cuttings in soil: tips for successful rooting
To give cuttings in soil the best possible conditions, several points should be taken into account:
- Choose the right time: the ideal propagation period varies according to the plant and whether you are using softwood, semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings. Many species root well in spring and early summer, while others are better propagated in summer, autumn or during winter dormancy.
- Take healthy plant material: choose vigorous, healthy shoots from a strong parent plant. For flowering species, non-flowering shoots are often preferable because more of the plant's energy can be directed towards root formation. Avoid damaged, diseased, old or weak stems.
- Use a suitable growing medium: cuttings generally root best in a light, airy and well-draining substrate. Depending on the species, seed or propagation compost can be mixed with perlite or sand. The growing medium should support the cutting without becoming compacted.
- Control moisture levels: keep the substrate slightly moist during rooting. Excess water can reduce oxygen around the stem and encourage rot. Water requirements vary significantly between plant species.
- Provide sufficient light: cuttings in soil should generally be placed in a bright position without harsh direct midday sun at first. Mild to warm temperatures encourage rooting in many species, while cold draughts and large temperature fluctuations should be avoided.
How to take successful cuttings in water
Rooting cuttings in water is particularly appealing because you can watch the roots develop. It works well for many houseplants and some outdoor plants, although it is not suitable for every species. Some plants root very readily in water, while others are more reliable when propagated directly in a growing medium.
Cuttings in water: step by step
Many plants can be propagated in water during spring or summer, provided the species is suitable for this method. You can generally proceed as follows:
- Take a healthy young shoot approximately 10 to 15 cm long;
- Remove the lower leaves so that no foliage remains permanently submerged;
- Place the lower part of the stem in a clean container of water;
- Wait until several sufficiently developed roots have formed;
- Carefully transfer the rooted cutting into a suitable growing medium.
Good to know: rooting time varies greatly between species. Some cuttings develop their first roots within days or a few weeks, while others can take considerably longer.
Cuttings in water: tips for better results
To improve the chances of successful water propagation:
- Use a clean container that allows you to monitor root development;
- Keep the water clean and replace it if it becomes cloudy or develops an unpleasant smell, using water at a similar temperature;
- Transfer the cutting into a light, well-draining growing medium once it has developed a reasonably strong root system;
- Avoid leaving it in water unnecessarily long, as very long water-adapted roots can be more sensitive when transferred into soil;
- Place the newly potted young plant in a bright, sheltered position away from intense direct sun.
How to take successful cuttings: other propagation techniques
Plants can also be propagated using other methods, including heel cuttings and cuttings taken with a short section of older wood. The most suitable technique depends on the plant species and its growth habit.
Heel cuttings: tips for successful rooting
Heel cuttings are particularly useful for various shrubs and woody plants. The technique involves removing a side shoot together with a small piece of older stem tissue at its base. Depending on the species, you can proceed as follows:
- Take a healthy side shoot while retaining a small section of older wood at the base;
- Insert the lower section into a light, well-draining propagation medium;
- Keep the substrate slightly moist while roots develop;
- Repot or plant out only after a stable root system has formed.
Cuttings with older wood: tips for successful propagation
A related method involves taking a young side shoot together with a short section of the older main stem. This technique can be used for certain woody plants and may be particularly useful for species that are more difficult to root from ordinary stem cuttings.
- Take a healthy side shoot together with a small section of the older main stem;
- Insert the base into a loose propagation mix containing a well-draining material such as sand or perlite;
- Keep the growing medium evenly and lightly moist without allowing it to become waterlogged;
- Repot the cutting once it has developed a sufficiently strong root system.
Good to know: the best season and propagation technique always depend on the plant species. Some plants are propagated from soft young shoots in spring, others from semi-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings during dormancy. Not every plant is equally easy to propagate from cuttings. Depending on the species, layering, division or sowing seeds may be a better alternative.
