Plants can be propagated in different ways, each species differs in its own method. Rooting cuttings is an inexpensive and easy option to get new flowers from those that you already have. This method allows you to grow a room or garden specimen, which is genetically identical to its parent, which means that it retains all the characteristics of the variety. Rooting plant cuttings is one of the simpler methods. And you don’t need to be an experienced gardener to try it.
Advantages of propagation by seed propagation
The process is very simple and requires only a good clean and sharp cutting tool and, possibly, a root stimulant to help the roots begin to grow. There are several options for rooting the stalk, but this method is best suited for breeding varietal plants and preserving rare specimens. Sowing seeds does not give such a result. In addition, a new plant can be obtained by cuttings much faster. Depending on the species, one of several methods of reproduction is used: from rooting the leaf to obtaining seedlings in water. Any of them will lead to success.
Cutting by leaf
For beginners, it is best to practice on plants that are easy to reproduce. For example, sansevieria, also known as “mother-in-law's tongue”. This unpretentious and hardy plant is familiar to everyone, because it can withstand almost any conditions of detention. It also has a special ability to purify air from harmful impurities, which is why it is popular among lovers of healthy indoor plants.
Although this flower is considered to be "grandmother's", it can be found not only on the windowsill of an elderly person, but also in offices, medical institutions and various organizations where they do not spend much time on flower care. Sansevieria is distinguished by decorative foliage, but now its appearance has changed due to the work of selectors. More than two dozen new varieties appeared, many of them with variegated coloring of leaves. Such plants are called variegated.
Reproduction of "mother-in-law's tongue"
Sansevieria has a beautiful variety, the leaves of which are bordered with golden stripes. This trait is transmitted only if propagated by cuttings. It remains only to get a leaf to get a new flower. Before rooting the sansevieria cuttings, the shoot should be divided into several parts. After cutting the sheet, it is desirable to note the corner cuts where the lower end is located. Then you need to dip it in the root stimulant, place it in moist soil and wait patiently. Soon, young shoots will appear next to the parent leaf. It is possible to root cuttings both in the spring, and at any other time of the year. This plant is unpretentious and willing to breed even in adverse conditions. It is not necessary to cover the flower; it multiplies well at ordinary humidity and room temperature.
Stem cuttings
But not all plants can be propagated in this way. Sometimes a leaf is not enough, and a branch with several buds and a bunch of leaves is required. There are two common ways to root cuttings: in water or in the ground. Both options are used often, but the first method is not suitable for all plants. To root a cut stalk can be as simple as a leaf, but sometimes special conditions or a substrate may be required. For example, for propagation of conifers, a shoot of about 10 cm long is usually cut at the end of winter or spring. For this, branches of the second and third order are used.
Rules for propagation of conifers
If the variety is variegated, then the cuttings are cut from the more illuminated side, and from the pyramidal plants they take branches from the inside of the crown. This is done with a sharp object in a special way, so that the so-called “five” stays on the branch. It is necessary for successful rooting.
Shoots of conifers are placed in damp sphagnum moss or instilled into the ground, depending on the conditions and type of plant. Before rooting the stalk in this way, a healthy conifer is selected that can tolerate pruning well. But sometimes separation of the shoot is necessary in a diseased plant, which cannot be saved in another way. So it will turn out to preserve a rare variety or rejuvenate a favorite conifer, whose life is coming to an end.
Rooting a cuttings from a diseased plant
Weakened specimens need a special approach. Before rooting the stalk from a diseased flower or tree, it must be held in a solution with a disinfectant. It is selected, depending on the disease. For example, with fungal infections, “Fitosporin” and other similar fungicides are used.
After this, the handle is placed in a solution of stimulants such as Epin or Zircon. This treatment helps plants cope with stress and eliminates infections. Then carefully remove the lower leaves and sprinkle the cut with a root stimulant. Now you need a pencil to make a hole in the soil where you will plant cuttings, so as not to accidentally remove the powder from the tip. After that, it remains to place the stem in the hole and sprinkle the stem with earth.
Optimal conditions for successful rooting
Before rooting cuttings at home, you need to find a place where there will be no exposure to direct sunlight. Some plants need a special temperature and humidity for rooting, because the shoots are placed in a greenhouse, covered with a bag or a jar to create optimal conditions. For small plants, it is convenient to use special bags with a clip or with a clasp. But ordinary cellophane ones will do. The shelter is opened every day or removed for several minutes to ventilate and remove drops of condensation, which can lead to excessive moisture and decay of the plant.
Caring for the cuttings
Watering is usually not required, since in an enclosed space, water does not evaporate. But if the earth is still dry, it can be moistened with a spray bottle. To understand that the cuttings are rooted, you can, if you carefully pull the stem. Resistance will mean success. But this option is not always desirable - some flowers have very delicate roots, and by constantly tugging at the tops, they can be broken off. It is best to wait for the emergence of new sprouts - this will definitely mean that the stalk has successfully taken. Then, young plants are gradually accustomed to fresh air, opening the greenhouse each time for a longer period. When it gets used to it, and the foliage no longer loses turgor, the shelter can be removed.
Rooting in water
Less time-consuming and simpler among inexperienced gardeners is another option for obtaining new plants, which uses a humid environment. For him, apply aqua soil or plain water. Many plants reproduce easily in this way, but there are exceptions. For example, for grafting violets, you should know several important rules, otherwise it is very easy to lose a rare variety, flattered by a simpler way of rooting.
For propagation of these indoor flowers, a leaf is most often used. But an important condition for the successful rooting of such a handle is an oblique cut made with a sharp object at an angle of 45 degrees. You should also constantly monitor the purity of the water and not let them rot, which happens very often. If this still happened, the damaged part is cut off at an oblique angle, and then put back into clean water. Successfully rooted cuttings of violets are transplanted into the ground and wait for the appearance of a new outlet. It usually grows at the base of the leaf.
After rooting the stalk, it is placed in a permanent place. But more optimal is the cuttings in the soil under the greenhouse. Some varieties can root if the leaf is simply placed in the soil and not covered with anything. But usually these are nondescript plants with a hardy character that are not too attractive for exotic lovers. Therefore, the use of soil is the best way to root the stalk of such a flower. Modern varieties are more tender and more difficult to reproduce.
How to root cuttings of currants and grapes at home
Propagation of garden plants is an important part of the summer resident's work. If you can do it right, it becomes easy to get a new bush of your favorite variety or share it with your neighbors. Especially often propagate such plants as currants and grapes.
In the first case, you can use the water method, but the liquid does not change until the roots appear, but sometimes they are added, as they evaporate. The same option is used for hydrangeas. Cuttings are cut from healthy adult plants from the age of 7 years. Before placing the stems in an opaque jar of water, they are kept for 24 hours in growth and root formation stimulants. Then, neutral pH water is poured and exposed to diffused light. The roots appear after about 20 days, after which the cuttings are transplanted into the open ground.
The method of rooting grape cuttings at home is similar to the case with currants. Only a can for this is taken transparent, and cotton wool is placed on the bottom, which should protect the cuttings from drying out if the water level drops too much. To ensure that there is enough fluid in the tank, you need to constantly monitor.
Another important condition: the lower part of the handle should be warm and the upper - cool. The easiest way to achieve this is if you put the jar on a warm windowsill, but next to an ajar window. Roots usually appear after two weeks. If this did not happen, but the kidneys began to bloom, they are removed. When the root length reaches 1 cm, it is time to transplant the cuttings into the ground.