Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the woocommerce domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/sites/whattogrow.co.uk/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the cuar domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/sites/whattogrow.co.uk/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/sites/whattogrow.co.uk/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the tweet-old-post domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/sites/whattogrow.co.uk/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Taking Soft Cuttings - WhatToGrow
GrowingHow toNews

Taking Soft Cuttings

Editor

Taking soft cuttings is a common method of plant propagation and can give you free plants with just a little effort. It involves taking a small, tender shoot from a parent plant and encouraging it to root and grow into a new plant.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take soft cuttings:

Take the cutting

Using your pruning shears or knife, make a clean cut on the selected shoot.

Trimming the shot

Remove any lower leaves, leaving only the top two or three sets of leaves.

Apply rooting hormone

Some gardeners choose to dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root development. This step is optional but can help speed up the rooting process.

Place the cutting in the rooting medium

Fill a small pot or container with a well-draining rooting medium. Make a hole in the rooting medium using a pencil and gently insert the cutting into the hole. Making sure the node where the leaves were removed is buried in the medium.

Maintain humidity

Moisten the medium slightly, ensuring it’s evenly damp but not overly wet. To prevent excessive moisture loss from the cutting, cover the pot or container with a plastic bag. You can also create a mini greenhouse using a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off. This will help maintain high humidity around the cutting, which aids in root development.

Provide the right conditions

Place the cuttings in a warm, bright location, but avoid direct sunlight, as it can be too intense and cause the cutting to overheat or dry out. Maintain a temperature of around 65-75°F (18-24°C) and keep the rooting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the moisture level regularly and mist the cutting and the inside of the plastic cover if necessary.

Aftercare for the cuttings

Over the next few weeks, monitor the cuttings for signs of new growth and root development. Be patient, as it can take several weeks for roots to form. Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, gradually acclimate it to lower humidity levels by increasing airflow and removing the plastic covering.