2023-12-26 07:00:30
Do you want to take cuttings from certain plants at home? Here are the steps and useful tips for easily making cuttings…
Last update : December 26, 2023
A cutting is a part of a plant that is cut off to create a new one. When you put it in a container with water, you can observe its evolution and control its rooting. Until it is ready to be transplanted into a pot or garden soil. Cuttings in water allow a plant to be genetically duplicated. They are increasingly appreciated thanks to their simplicity and also because they are decorative.
Although the technique is simple, it is important to take a series of precautions then follow the right steps so that the cutting does not root and die. In addition, the original plant must be protected so that it does not suffer damage.
Can you take cuttings in water from any plant?
Before knowing how to root cuttings, it is essential to know with which plants we can carry out the technique. Those that guarantee the best results are those with soft, non-woody stems. That is to say, soft and flexible stems such as those of ivy, begonia, balsam or photinia, or aromatic plants, such as basil, mint, sage, rosemary or thyme.
On the other hand, it is not recommended to root cuttings of ornamental plants and vegetables, as it would take too long. In addition, their reproduction by seeds is so simple that there is no need to resort to this technique.
How to take cuttings in water?
The process of rooting a plant in water is very simple. You will only need disinfected pruning shears and a jar, which must be glass. This will allow you to contemplate the evolution of the cutting and, in addition, it will be decorative.
The container should be deep enough for the roots to develop well. But not so much that your cutting is completely submerged.
Also read: Benefits of gardening on mental and emotional health
1. Choose a plant to reproduce
The original plant (called the “mother plant”) is the one from which you will make the cutting, also called the “stump”. This mother plant should have a healthy root system and be free of pests.
2. Make the cut
Once chosen, make a clean cut at forty-five degrees with your pruning shears or a sharp and disinfected knife. The cut will be made on the stem, just below a node (the area from which a leaf grows). Make sure the resulting shoot (the segment or cutting) is between 10 and 15 centimeters in length.
Next, strip the bottom part of the resulting section of leaves. The goal is to give it enough space so it can take root from there.
On the other hand, it is recommended to prune the upper leaves of the cutting and even remove some of them. This will prevent it from consuming too many nutrients during rooting and will direct them towards root formation. Less water will also be required for photosynthesis.
3. Introduce the plant then pour water
Place the segment in the glass jar and pour water until it is completely covered. Just before its foliage begins. Make sure no leaves are left in the liquid, as this might lead to decomposition.
Tips for Making Cuttings Root Quickly
Once you have followed these three simple steps, reproduction of the daughter plant will begin instantly. The challenge now is to ensure that the segment takes root quickly and develops healthily. To do this, you can follow the following tips.
Find the perfect place
You may be wondering where to leave the pot with the cutting. Ideally, it should be in a location in the house with a warm temperature and without too much humidity.
It is also important that it receives indirect light. Otherwise, with too much sun, the water might become too hot and the roots might be damaged. This might even encourage the growth of bacteria that alters the entire process.
Consider adding hormones
Although the plant can root naturally in water, it is possible to speed up the process with cutting hormones. These chemical compounds are sold in powder, liquid or gel form.
You must make the decision whether to use them or not before cutting. If you are inclined to use them, here are some tips.
The powder version is generally the most suitable. It must be applied to the area where the cut is made. It is best to place the powder on a tray to support the cut end of the segment, which is lightly moistened with a little water.
The hormones stick to the tip of the cutting because of the humidity. Then you can blow or shake so that the excess falls off and only the right amount remains.
Change the water periodically
The appearance of microorganisms in the liquid is generally the main cause of failure of plant segments to grow in water. Therefore, change the water with some frequency. The ideal is to do it every two days. Although you can delay it to once a week if you use a disinfection technique, like the one we are talking to you regarding now.
Disinfect the water
If you add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the cutting container, you will prevent bacterial growth and future infections of the new plant. This product is an oxidant with fungicidal and bactericidal properties. Place two drops each time you change the liquid.
You now know how to take cuttings!
When the roots are long enough (at least five centimeters, approximately 15 days following immersing the cutting in water), you can consider transplanting. The segment will go into a pot or into the soil in your garden. There, it will be able to absorb the nutrients it needs and develop a more stable root system.
Waiting for, for two weeks you will have the cuttings in water, bringing a decorative and natural touch to your home. Make as many new plants as you want!
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All sources cited have been thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliography for this article has been considered academically or scientifically reliable and accurate.
Colombo, A. (2019). Reproduction by cuttings. Parkstone International.
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