Propagating Your Favourite Plants: Cuttings, Pruning, and Division

Many gardeners find immense satisfaction in propagating their beloved plants, creating new individuals from the existing one.  This not only allows you to share your cherished greenery with others but also offers a cost-effective way to expand your personal collection.  Here, we explore three popular methods for propagating plants: taking cuttings, pruning, and division.

Taking Cuttings:

This technique involves taking a portion of a stem, leaf, or even a root, and encouraging it to develop into a new, independent plant.

• Selection: Choose healthy, non-flowering stems with visible nodes (the bumps were leaves emerge).
• Preparation: Use sharp, sterile secateurs, scissors or a knife to make a clean cut at an angle, just below a node.  Remove any lower leaves.
• Rooting: Depending on the plant, you can root cuttings directly in water, a well-draining potting mix, or a specialised propagation medium.
• Care: Maintain consistent moisture and provide indirect sunlight until roots establish.

Non flowering stem from centre of penstemon

I prefer using scissors, here I am pointing to the node.

Cutting at an angle just below the node.

This is how the stem looks once I have cut just below the node.

Now it's time to remove the leaves to prevent too much moisture loss.

This is how the stem looks once the leaves have been removed, with your fingers, or with a knife.

Now the final cut across the remaining leaves, again this reduces water loss

This is how it looks after cutting.  If the plant has bigger leaves, I would only keep two of them and cut half of one of the leaves off.

Place your cuttings around the edge of a pot.  I prefer to spray my cuttings with water whenever I walk past them, instead of using a plastic bag to retain moisture.

Pruning:

While primarily used to control size and shape, pruning can also be used for propagation.

• Selection: Identify healthy stems that can be shortened without compromising the overall form of the plant.
• Preparation: Make clean cuts at an angle, just above a node.
• Propagation: Similar to taking cuttings, you can root the prunings in water, soil, or a specialised medium
• Benefits: Pruning not only encourages bushier growth but also provides more material for propagation.

Division:

This method is suitable for plants that grow in clumps or have multiple crowns.

• Timing: Ideally, divide plants during their dormant period, typically in early spring or autumn.
• Preparation: Carefully remove the plant from its pot or gently dig it up with a garden fork.
• Division: Using your hands, a sharp knife, or a spade, gently separate the clumps or crowns, ensuring each division has sufficient roots and shoots.
• Re-pot: Plant each division in individual pots with fresh, well-draining compost.  Water thoroughly and provide appropriate care.

Remember: When propagating any plant, it's crucial to research specific requirements for your chosen variety.  This includes factors like the optimal time for propagation, the preferred rooting medium, and any post-propagation care considerations.  With a little research, patience, and these techniques, you can successfully propagate your favourite plants and share the joy of gardening with others.