A Complete Guide on How to Take Plant Cuttings

Why take plant cuttings?

With the demand for plants increasing, and the demand for peat compost decreasing, finding high-quality plants has become more challenging. Although taking cuttings may seem daunting, it is an effective way to gain more plants for free.

There is no perfect way to take cuttings, nor is there any guarantee they will take but, with this complete guide on how to take cuttings, you will have the knowledge and tools needed to achieve the best results possible.

Which plants should you take cuttings off?

• -Plants that might not survive the winter
• -Any plants that are expensive 
• -Plants that are hard to acquire
• -Your favourite plants that you want more of

What you will need

• -Pots
• -Peat free compost
• -Perlite
• -Sharp secateurs
• -Chopping board
• -The plant you wish to take cuttings from
• -Rooting Hormone

A step by step guide on how to take plant cuttings

1: Preparation is key when taking cuttings, once you snip off a shoot, it begins to die. Ensure that you have everything you need ready to go to increase the success rate. 

2: Cuttings need an environment that encourages dampness and air. Mix together a 50/50 mix of peat-free compost and perlite as this will have good aeration and retains water well. 

3: When choosing your soon to be cutting, choose a shoot that has good growth without any flower buds if possible. All the shoots’ energy must be focused on producing roots so the plant can survive. If it is not possible to choose a shoot without flower buds, simply cut them off. 

4: Take softwood and semi-ripe cuttings from the end of the shoot, this can either be growing straight or a side shoot. Cut the shoot longer than what is needed just above a leaf node. The best size cutting is between 1 to 5 inches. Hardwood cuttings should be 6 inches.

5: Lie the shoot on a cutting board and cut off the bottom leaves. Then make a clean cut just below the leaf node. This is where the roots will grow from.

6: Dip the shoot in a rooting gel and tap off the access. 

7: Plant the cuttings around the edge of the pot as the moisture holds better here. A 3-inch pot should take at least four cuttings. It is important that the cuttings do not touch. 

8: Water the pot well once all the cuttings have been planted and cover with a clear plastic bag. Store somewhere warm and bright but with some shade from the sun. 

9: Check on your cuttings every few days to check for mould. You will know your cutting has successfully rooted when you see roots coming out the bottom of the pot or the shoot starts to produce new leaves.