Gardening isn’t just about cultivating the plants you’ve purchased from nurseries; it’s also about expanding your garden and creating new plants from the ones you already have. One of the best ways to do this is through propagation. By taking cuttings or dividing plants, you can grow new plants with minimal cost and effort. In this blog post, we’ll dive into two of the most common propagation techniques—taking cuttings and dividing plants—so you can multiply your garden and enjoy new growth season after season.

What is Plant Propagation?

Plant propagation is the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources: seeds, cuttings, division, or tissue cultures. This is an excellent way to preserve the genetics of your favorite plants, ensure you have a constant supply of new plants, and reduce your reliance on buying new plants every season. In this guide, we’ll cover the two most accessible methods for gardeners: taking cuttings and dividing plants.

1. Taking Cuttings: Growing New Plants from Stems, Leaves, or Roots

Taking cuttings is one of the most popular and easiest methods of plant propagation. It involves cutting a part of an existing plant (often a stem, leaf, or root) and encouraging it to grow its own roots, forming a new plant.

Types of Cuttings

  • Stem Cuttings: These are the most common type of cuttings used for propagation. You’ll cut a piece of stem from the parent plant, ensuring it has at least one node (a point where leaves or branches grow).
  • Leaf Cuttings: Some plants can be propagated from just a single leaf. This is common for plants like African violets and begonias.
  • Root Cuttings: For plants like horseradish or blackberry, you can take a section of root and encourage it to sprout new growth.

Steps for Taking Stem Cuttings

  1. Select a Healthy Plant: Choose a healthy plant with no signs of disease or damage. It’s best to take cuttings from new growth, which is still soft and flexible.
  2. Make the Cut: Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, cut a 4-6 inch section of stem just below a node (the point where leaves or branches emerge). Make sure the cutting has at least one or two nodes.
  3. Remove Excess Leaves: Trim away the lower leaves on the cutting, leaving only a couple of leaves at the top. This helps the cutting focus energy on rooting.
  4. Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional): While not always necessary, dipping the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone can speed up the rooting process and increase the chances of success.
  5. Place in Water or Soil: You can either place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged, or plant it directly in moist soil. If you choose water, be sure to change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
  6. Provide Proper Conditions: Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment to encourage root growth. You can cover the cutting with a plastic bag or place it in a humidity dome to retain moisture.
  7. Wait for Roots to Develop: It may take a few weeks for roots to develop, so be patient. Once the cutting has a healthy root system, it can be planted in soil and cared for like a mature plant.

Plants That Propagate Well from Cuttings:

  • Pothos
  • Succulents
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Geraniums
  • Spider plants

2. Dividing Plants: Splitting Existing Plants into New Ones

Dividing plants is another common and simple method of propagation. This technique is particularly effective for perennials, which grow back year after year. By dividing these plants, you can create multiple new plants from one existing plant. Dividing is a great way to refresh and rejuvenate your garden, especially if a plant has become overcrowded or has outgrown its space.

When to Divide Plants:

  • Spring or Fall: Early spring or fall is typically the best time to divide most plants. During these seasons, the plant is either starting to grow or going into dormancy, which makes the process less stressful for the plant.
  • Every 2-3 Years: Many perennials benefit from division every couple of years to prevent overcrowding and ensure healthy growth.

Steps for Dividing Plants

  1. Select the Right Plant: Choose a healthy plant that has been growing well. Divide it when it has outgrown its space or when the center of the plant has begun to die out, and new growth is concentrated on the outer edges.
  2. Dig Up the Plant: Carefully dig around the plant to lift it from the soil. Gently shake off excess soil to expose the roots.
  3. Divide the Root System: Using a sharp knife, garden shears, or your hands, divide the plant into sections. Each section should have a portion of the root system, a crown (the central growing point), and a few healthy shoots.
  4. Replant the Divided Sections: Replant the divided sections in their new locations. Be sure to plant them at the same depth they were originally growing. Water them well to help settle the soil around the roots.
  5. Care for the Divided Plants: After dividing, the plants may go through a period of shock. Keep them well-watered and avoid heavy fertilizing until they establish themselves.

Plants That Can Be Divided:

  • Hostas
  • Daylilies
  • Irises
  • Peonies
  • Mint
  • Rhubarb
  • Sedum

General Tips for Successful Propagation:

  • Use Clean Tools: Always use clean, sharp tools when cutting or dividing plants to prevent the spread of diseases.
  • Water Properly: Keep cuttings and divided plants well-watered, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to rot. Make sure the soil has good drainage.
  • Be Patient: Propagation can take time. Whether you’re waiting for roots to develop or a divided plant to re-establish itself, patience is key.
  • Temperature and Light: Make sure your cuttings and divided plants receive the right amount of light and warmth for optimal growth. Most plants need indirect light to begin rooting, and temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) work well for most varieties.

Why Propagate?

There are many reasons why gardeners choose to propagate their plants:

  • Cost-Effective: Propagating your plants saves money, as you don’t need to purchase new ones every season.
  • Plant Preservation: By propagating rare or special plants, you can ensure that you preserve them for years to come.
  • Garden Expansion: Propagating gives you the chance to grow your garden and fill it with more of the plants you love.
  • Biodiversity: Propagation helps maintain and spread a diversity of plants, preserving heirloom varieties and unique species.

Conclusion

Plant propagation through cuttings and division is a rewarding and cost-effective way to expand your garden and preserve your favorite plants. Whether you’re looking to create more plants for your garden, preserve rare varieties, or simply enjoy the process of growing new plants, these basic techniques are easy to learn and apply. Start experimenting with taking cuttings or dividing plants, and watch your garden grow!