Your Quick Guide to Propagating From Cuttings

Before we get into it, it's important to note that not all plants can be cloned this way and cuttings should only be taken from healthy plants!

Illustration of plant cuttings being rooted in a pot

Why Should You Consider Propagation With Cuttings?

 

  • Your new plants should perform as their parent did, which is great if the parent plant was successful
  • Seeds aren't genetically identical to the parent plant (so growing from seeds can yield varied results)
  • It's a great way to understand your plants better whilst watching them grow
  • Sharing is caring - you could give some to your friends and family, it could make a great gift!

Great, where do I start?

Firstly, test the pH of the soak/feed. It should be between 5.8-6.3.

Again, you should only take cuttings from healthy plants. While you're at it, sterilise all of your equipment if you haven't already. Start by cutting off a shoot tip with 4-5 sets of leaves, making sure to cut diagonally.

These can be used in different growing subtrates such as Rockwool cubes, Perlite, Vermiculite, grit and soil.

Dip the cutting into your rooting gel. We recommend Growth Technology's Clonex and Clonex Mist - these help enhance the health and vigour of tender young plants whilst promoting robust root development and elongation of root hairs.

A stem being dipped into Clonex rooting hormone

Let the cutting sit in the gel for around 1 minute before placing it into your growing media of choice.

Cuttings being transferred to Grodan starter plugs

Before attaching a humidity cover, give your cuttings a spray of Clonex Mist to create a moisture level and bolster their root production. The ideal conditions inside the propagator are temperatures between 21-24°C with humidity staying between 80-90%.

 

Garland Heated Propagator

Cuttings Under Cover

As for when your cuttings are safe and sound inside the propagator:

  • The light cycle for the propagation should be 18 hours on and 6 hours off, this will provide the best conditions for the new cuttings
  • After the cuttings have been in the propagator for 2-3 days, spray them again with Clonex Mist and open the vents (allowing for more respiration and aiding in growth)
  • After about 5 days the cubes (or whatever media you choose) and your cuttings will need to be moistened and maintained

At around the 10 day mark, the cuttings should have rooted properly and the humidity cover can be removed. Happy days!