How to propagate plants? Step by step process with protips.

Propagating plants at home from the mother plant is highly useful to make more genetically identical plants that resemble the parent and is free of cost. When it comes to the propagation of plants, there are various methods through which a plant can be propagated. Here is the list of plant propagation methods. 

Take a glance till the end, as there are lots of pro tips hidden in between.

Plant propagation from cuttings - How to propagate plants from cuttings is one of the biggest questions that pops up when we think of propagation techniques. Propagation from cuttings is the most common method of propagation. This method is also easy for non-hardy plants as they root more quickly when compared to hardy plants. When we consider the propagation of plants from cuttings, there are 2 common methods - Leaf cuttings and stem cuttings. 

How to make the right stem cutting?

1. The first step is to choose the right stem that is to be used as a cutting from the mother.

2. Once the stem that is to be used as a cutting is chosen, take a sharp gardening scissor and cut the stem at 45 degrees. 

3. The cutting must be made below the node, which is nothing but the area where the leaf meets the stem. This node is the main region from which the roots will appear. 

Here is the first protip: Once you cut the stem at 45 degrees below the node, the most important step that will not be shared by most gardeners is to make a slice through the middle of the node. Just place the cutting on a hard surface and make a slice through the middle of the node. Be careful not to cut the stem fully. This will stimulate the production of rooting hormone and the stem will begin to root quickly and easily. 

Protip 2: Whenever you try to propagate a plant from its stem cuttings, remember to remove most of the leaves on the cutting and leave just 2 to 3 leaves. Be careful not to pluck away all the leaves, as this will deprive the cutting of making food through photosynthesis. At the same time, many leaves in the cutting will take away most of the nutrients and hinder root formation. 

List of plants that can be grown or propagated from stem cuttings: Plants such as 

• African Violet 

• Acalypha 

• Aglaonema 

• Begonia 

• Beloperone

• Brassaia actinophylla 

• Christmas cactus 

• Horseradish

• Hydrangea

• Lavender

• Fuschia

• Oregano

The list of vegetable plants that can be grown through stem cuttings are: 

• Tomatoes

• Cucumber

• Zucchini

• Bittermelon

• Brinjals

• Pointed Guard

• Peppers

List of garden equipment or gardening tools that you will need:

• Gardening scissor or Razor blade

• Alcohol for sterilizing gardening equipment

• Cutting from the parent plant

• Soilless potting mix

• Plastic bag

• Containers for planting

• Stick to make a hole for planting the cutting

Steps to follow for a successful plant propagation through stem cutting: 

1. Remember not to choose cuttings with lots of flowers and leaves: The presence of a lot of flowers and leaves will hinder the ability of the cutting to form roots. Also do not choose cuttings from plants with a lot of drooping leaves or dying leaves. 

2. Prepare the pot with the soilless mix: Take a clean sterilized pot and fill it with the soilless mix.  The reason we choose a soilless potting mix is that it drains well. 

Protip 3: Avoid using garden soil for propagating cuttings as the pathogens in the garden soil might kill the cutting before it begins to root and hence, the cutting might rot. 

Protip 4: When trying to root the cutting, mostly we tend to root in in water medium, but when we transplant the cuttings to the soil, most of it will not survive. So it is highly recommended to root the cuttings directly in a soilless mix and then repot it in soil. 

3. Use a sterilized pair of gardening scissors or razor blade to make the cutting from the parent plant. A cutting of 4 to 6 inches long is highly recommended. 

4. Remember to slice at the node: As discussed earlier, make a thin slice in the mid of the node, to enhance the rooting process from this spot. 

5. Bore a hole for planting the cutting: With the help of a stick bore a hole that is half to 1 inch deep and plant the cutting in it.

Protip 5: When planting the cutting place it at 45 degrees, instead of planting it straight. This will enhance the rooting process.

6. 
   Cover the pot with the cutting in a plastic bag: Once the cutting is planted in a soilless potting mix, cover the pot with a plastic bag so that the moisture will be retained for a longer period of time and the heat will also be held in. These conditions will help in rooting.

7. Once the plant has rooted and given out some new leaves, you can place the pot in direct sunlight.