Cutting Propogation Made Easy

Many people think that growing new plants or trees from cuttings should be left to qualified horticulturists. In fact, this technique is relatively simple, says Shane Brody.

- Shane Brody

Commercial rose growing has become popular and can be a good source of income for a smallholder. If you propagate your own cuttings, you can make even more money from this venture. The technique can also be used on various plants and in virtually any environment, even a compact urban setting such as a townhouse or flat.

The process need not be left to nurseries; it is easy to learn and can be done by anyone.

As examples, I’ve chosen roses, pineapples and grapes, but fig, apricot, apple and other trees can also be propagated. Although there are some variances relating to climate, soil and so forth, the principles of propagation are essentially the same for all these plant types.

Here are two important tips before you get going: use cuttings from parent plants that have their own root stocks rather than grafted trunks, and plant a number of cuttings to allow cross-pollination to occur.

Roses

Each cutting should be 10cm to 15cm long, with three to four bud nodes. You can leave one or two leaves a bit higher, above the soil level, but this is not essential.

Cut one end at a 45° angle to identify it as the ‘planting end’. Immediately before planting, while the cut is still wet, dip the planting end into root hormone powder, and shake off the excess. The powder, which includes synthetic indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), is available at most nurseries and speeds up root formation. Your nursery can advise you on the best hormone for your particular cuttings.