Many popular houseplants are best and most easily propagated from cuttings. Outdoor flowers, shrubs and trees may be multiplied in this manner for great results as well. Starting new plants from cuttings has advantages over growing from seed. These include:
The new plant will be identical to the parent plant from whom the cutting is taken
Cuttings bypass the often-difficult, juvenile stage of growth
Cuttings can provide more new plants more quickly
Asexual propagation, often called cloning, allows one to start new plants in a variety of methods and at different times of year. Hardwood, semi-hardwood, softwood and deciduous cuttings give the gardener an opportunity to reproduce older, declining plants or to have large supplies of favorite flowers.
Cuttings of roots and rhizomes can produce new plants. Iris tubers may be dug and divided, crocus bulbs will multiply and can be separated for new masses of late winter color in the garden. Research of individual plants will offer up the best means of propagation and the answer will often be cuttings.
For instance, the popular Forsythia bush is best grown from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring. When new growth reaches a few inches, clip a stem below the third or fourth node, treat with rooting hormone and place either in a pot and directly in the ground. Keep watered during the first few weeks, until the bush is established. In many cases, flowers appear the same season, but if not, look for a fantastic display next year.
Can't wait for new growth? Take a hardwood cutting in winter, place in water and allow roots to develop. When the roots extend a couple of inches from the cutting, pot it up and keep away from freezing temperatures. This allows a head start on early spring blooms.
Pussy willow, blueberry bush, rosemary and many other specimens exhibit robust growth when propagated in this manner. When active growth increases, clip the top buds on each plant to force growth into lower areas of the plant.
New cuttings perform best when humidity is high. This may be accomplished by covering with plastic wrap or a dome for new plants, or by simple, frequent misting. If covered, keep new cuttings out of direct sunlight and remove the cover when development is noted. Gradually increase sunlight until the plant reaches its' optimum light requirements.
Many houseplants multiply well using this method. If nodes are visible, try to select a cutting with at least four nodes, two go above ground and two below when it is planted. Houseplants without visible nodes may be cut in three-inch sections, remember to always keep the bottom end down.
Cuttings should always be taken from a healthy, robust parent. Avoid cuttings from diseased parents or those under any kind of stress, as this may affect the success of new growth. Try to take cuttings in early morning, as this is when the plant is full of water.
So clip away, and enjoy a variety of new and healthy plants in this year's garden. Perhaps your success will be great enough to share or trade with friends and family.