Cuttings taken from plants that are growing steadily (generally from spring through fall) have the best chance of rooting. It is best done from mid-May to mid-June when the new growth has firmed up and will snap when bent in half.

For this article I will only discuss tip cutting which is using the end of a stem with a growing point at it's tip. There are also sectional, basal and heel cuttings, using other parts of the stem.

Before starting, clean all your tools well and then sterilize them by dipping them in alcohol. Pruning shears tend to bruise the stem tissue so if you do use shears, recut the stems with a sterilized sharp knife or razor blade.

The lower cut should be made at an angle to maximize the amount of cambial tissue exposed to the soil. Roots will form readily wherever the cambial tissue comes in contact with moist soil.

At least 12 hours before you take the cuttings, water the parent plant well. The newer growth toward the tips should be a lighter color than farther down the stem. This new growth is the easiest and most likely to root. Take cuttings from two to five inches long. Gather them in the early morning and then immediantly drop them in a plastic bag to retain their moisture. If you aren't planning to stick them right away, put the bag in the frig until you are ready.

Table Top Plant Light from Park Seed

Remove all leaves and side shoots from the lower two-thirds of the stem. This helps prevent stem rot and creates a small wound at each node which will encourage rooting. If the stem has hardened, lightly scrape it on two sides with a sharp blade where it will be buried.

Rooting compound encourages the development of roots plus it contains a fungicide which will deter disease during rooting. Do not dip the stem directly into the container, but instead put a small amount onto a piece of paper and then dip the stem and blow off the excess (caution: don't inhale the powder!).

Cuttings can be rooted in almost any container provided that it has good drainage. The rooting medium must maintain adequate moisture and air around the stem. Fill the container with the rooting medium then set it in a pan of water until the top of the mix appears moist. Let the container drain for ten minutes before sticking the cuttings in.

Stem cuttings should be inserted so that they are in firm contact with the planting medium. Poke a hole slightly larger than the stem, insert the slip (covered with rooting powder) and then firm the medium around it.

Cuttings need a constant supply of moisture and should be protected from drafts. One way to do this is to make a plastic tent being careful not to let it touch any of the leaves. The ideal soil temperature should be above 65º .The best way to keep a constant temperature is to use a heating mat made for propagation underneath your flat.

Cuttings also need bright light for photosynthesis, but direct sunlight will overheat and dry the foliage. A north window or under artificial lighting is the ideal location.

As soon as roots have formed (two to six weeks), the cuttings will begin to produce new leaves. Now is the time to fertilize the plants lightly--at one quarter the recommended dilution for house plants.

A good way to check whether the cuttings are ready to be transplanted is to lift them gently from the stem. If the soil comes up with the roots--it's time to transplant them to a larger container.