May 17, 2005

Purdue expert's tips get to the root of taking plant cuttings

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The best way to start a garden may be to ask a friend for a piece of theirs.

Mary Welch-Keesey a Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service horticulture specialist and co-author of Purdue's award-winning "Plant Propagation" CD, said taking cuttings is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to start new plants. This plant propagation technique involves cutting off a portion of an established plant and encouraging it to develop new roots or stems.

"Cuttings are a great way to propagate plants," Welch-Keesey said. "The new plant will retain the leaf and flower color of the parent plant, and plants grown from cuttings will be larger and flower sooner than the same plant grown from seed."

While indoor plants can tolerate cutting now, she recommends waiting until new growth has firmed before taking cuttings from outdoor plants. Cuttings can be made from any part of the plant, but most often either a stem or leaf is used.

"Only a few plants can be propagated from a piece of root, but many plants can be propagated using a piece of cut-off stem, and a number of houseplants can be propagated from a leaf," she said.

Whatever part of the plant the cutting comes from, there are some basic techniques that can increase the chances of success. Gardeners should strive to prevent disease, minimize water loss and encourage rapid root formation.

"When you make a stem cutting, start with stems that contain as much waster as possible," Welch-Keesey said. "Water the plant well the day before, and take the cutting before the heat of the day reduces water content."

She said it's also a good idea to process the cutting immediately or to place the cut end in water or in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel.

Most water is lost through leaves, so Welch-Keesey suggests removing one-half to two-thirds of the leaves after cutting to minimize water loss.

"Leafy stem cuttings can lose water so quickly that they dry out before roots can form," she said.

To prevent disease, take cuttings only from healthy plants and clean tools and pots with a 10 percent bleach solution.

There are several ways to encourage root formation. Welch-Keesey suggests selecting robust, healthy cuttings, taking cuttings from the newer portion of woody plants, using well-drained potting mix and keeping cuttings the correct temperature.

"Avoid cuttings that have flowers or fruit," she said. "These cuttings will send most of their food energy to the flowers and fruit rather than to new roots. Once you've removed the flowers, fruit and lower leaves, put rooting hormone on the base of the stem to stimulate root formation."

Welch-Keesey teamed up with Purdue Extension horticulturalist B. Rosie Lerner and the university's Department of Agricultural Communication to put together a guide that contains tips and tricks to successfully propagate plants.

"Plant Propagation" is a CD-based course that covers the botanical and horticultural basics of propagation. It's available for $40 through the Purdue Extension education store or by calling (888) EXT-INFO.

"If you can't find a hands-on course or don't have the time to take one, this is the next best thing," Welch-Keesey said. "It's like having an adviser in your home making sure you're doing things correctly."

Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu

Source: Mary Welch-Keesey, (317) 630-3257, mwelch@INDYZOO.com

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