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Do you know you don't have to start from seed to grow many plants? Many houseplants, annuals, perennials, and woody plants can be grown from cuttings. If you already have a healthy plant, you can simply take a cutting and perform a fun and easy "cloning" experiment.
Do you know you don't have to start from seed to grow many plants? Many houseplants, annuals, perennials, and woody plants can be grown from cuttings. If you already have a healthy plant, you can simply take a cutting and perform a fun and easy "cloning" experiment.
This method not only gives you more plants without having to buy them, but also ensures that the new plants inherit all the great traits of the parent.
This method not only gives you more plants without having to buy them, but also ensures that the new plants inherit all the great traits of the parent.
Get your tools ready and let's get started!
Get your tools ready and let's get started!
Step 1: Taking Cuttings
Step 1: Taking Cuttings
The best time is spring or autumn. Look for healthy, semi-hardwood stems that grew this year. They are slightly firm at the bottom but still soft at the top. A simple test: gently bend it; if it's flexible but doesn't snap immediately, it's perfect! Cut a branch a few inches long, and remove the bottom leaves- it only needs a few leaves at the very top to survive- less is better!
Step 2: Preparing the Potting Mix
Step 2: Preparing the Potting Mix
In this example, we cloned lavender. Lavender roots dislike overly wet conditions, so it's crucial to choose a well-draining medium. You can mix soil and sand in a 1:1 ratio, fill your seedling tray with the mix, and water it thoroughly to moisten the soil. If you're using a different plant, check what type of soil conditions it prefers.
Step 3: Use Rooting Hormone
Step 3: Use Rooting Hormone
To boost your success rate, I highly recommend using a rooting hormone. Dip the cut end of the stem into the powder and let it dry slightly.
Step 4: Start Planting
Step 4: Start Planting
Insert the prepared cutting into the moist soil. You can use your finger to gently make a small hole in each cell of the tray, then place the cutting inside and gently secure it with the surrounding soil.
Step 5: Aftercare
Step 5: Aftercare
Place the seedling tray in a bright, airy location, but keep it away from direct sunlight. To maintain humidity, you can use a clear humidity dome. When your small lavender plants start to grow new shoots, congratulations, your cloning mission is a success! Typically, the cuttings will begin to root in 3-4 weeks.
Step 6: Transplanting Your New Plant
Step 6: Transplanting Your New Plant
Once your small lavender plant has a strong enough root system and you can see new growth, you can transplant it into a larger pot or your garden. Before transplanting, you can acclimate the seedlings for about a week by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions, which will greatly increase their survival rate.
Once your small lavender plant has a strong enough root system and you can see new growth, you can transplant it into a larger pot or your garden. Before transplanting, you can acclimate the seedlings for about a week by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions, which will greatly increase their survival rate.
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