Delving Into The Various Methods Of Plant Propagation!
Asexual reproduction or vegetative propagation through cuttings.
There are many plants out there who's parts such as roots, stems and leaves may develop into new plants under the appropriate conditions.
Methods of vegetative propagation include the following:
- Cutting
- Layering
- Grafting
- Tissue Culture
Cutting:
All vegetative parts of a plant removed from the parent plant by making a cut with gardening scissors or sterile blade is called a cutting.
A cutting may be a piece of stem, root or even a leaf.
While making a cut care should be taken to see that there are some buds on it. Stem cutting is commonly used for propagation of Goji Berry, Pepper, shrubs, succulents etc. In this method a cutting of the parent plant’s stem or shoot including some buds is taken and its lower part is buried in the moist growing medium.
After a few days the cutting develops roots and grows into a new plant. Buds of potato and leaves of succulents are also used as cuttings. The new plant formed by cutting is an exact copy of the parent plant.
Additional steps to ensure success includes:
- Working as clean as possibly by sanitizing or sterilizing your hands and equipment before starting a clone session.
- Adding a rooting hormone to the basal end of your cutting will ensure better strike rate.
- Providing insulation against cold or providing bottom heat will go a long way in jump starting your plantlets.
Alongside the higher humidity levels you are providing by using a propagator, the above steps should get you a step closer to 100% propagation success.
All the best on your cloning journey!
About the Author
Christoff Boltman is the Seeds for Africa / H2GRO Hydroponic specialist. Christoff has been growing hydroponically for the last 15 years and welcomes the opportunity to share his experience and knowledge with our customers. Feel free to pop in at our showroom and Christoff will be delighted to show you around and advise you on what would best suit your needs.
