Summary
Plants can be grown and multiplied for free by propagating via the cutting method. Most plants can be propagated using this method, and it’s super easy to do. We’ll discuss what clippings are, and the types of clippings you need, and provide steps on how to properly collect clippings and root them.
Table of Contents
- What Are Cuttings?
- What Does Propagating Mean?
- Types of Clippings
- What Plants Can I Grow from Cuttings?
- Steps for Propagating Greenwood and Softwood Cuttings
Did you know you could get free plants?! Yes, you read that correctly—FREE PLANTS! Well, technically free. But how, you may ask? That’s the simple part: you just need to find an already established plant and take a clipping. Plant clippings, or cuttings, are exactly what they sound like—a piece of an already healthy plant that you clip off with the hope of establishing roots. The technical term for this process is propagating.
Propagating is a form of asexual plant reproduction where you take a piece of an existing plant and form a clone of it. While there are several ways to propagate, the most popular and easiest technique is through stem cuttings. This method works for most plants and is commonly used for houseplants as well as various food-producing plants.
What Are Cuttings?
Cuttings are parts of a plant—usually stems—that are snipped from a healthy, mature plant to grow into a new plant. These cuttings can vary based on the type of plant and its growing stage.
What Does Propagating Mean?
Propagating is the process of reproducing plants without seeds. It involves creating new plants by cloning an existing one, typically through techniques like stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or division.
Types of Clippings
1. Greenwood Cuttings
Also referred to as herbaceous cuttings, these are the easiest to root. These plants usually have soft, green stems and include most herbs and vining plants.
2. Softwood Cuttings
These are young, flexible stems that root easily. A common example is tomato plants. Softwood cuttings are ideal for beginners because they require minimal effort to propagate.
3. Semi-Hardwood Cuttings
These stems are slightly older than softwood, with a firm texture but not fully woody. Examples include mulberries and blueberries.
4. Hardwood Cuttings
These are mature, woody stems, often brittle, and require more effort and patience to root. Figs, grapes, and pomegranates are commonly propagated using hardwood cuttings.
What Plants Can I Grow from Cuttings?
Here are some plants you can propagate via greenwood and softwood cuttings:
Herbs
- Basil
- Sage
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Mint
- Dill
Fruit-Producing Plants
- Tomatoes
- Passion Fruit
- Peaches
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Melons
Ornamentals
- Snake Plant
- Pathos
- Ivy
- Succulents
- Hoyas
- Jade
- Philodendrons
This list is based on personal experience and is not exhaustive.
Steps for Propagating Greenwood and Softwood Cuttings
Supplies
- Pruners or sharp scissors
- A vase or container
- Water (filtered but not distilled)
- Sunlight
Steps
- Disinfect Your Tools: Clean your pruners or scissors to prevent bacteria from harming the plant.
- Choose a Healthy Plant: Look for a decently thick, green stem that is at least 3 inches long.
- Make a Clean Cut: Snip the stem near the base but avoid the main branch to prevent harming the parent plant.
- Remove Lower Leaves: Trim off leaves near the base of the cutting to prevent them from rotting in water.
- Prepare the Vase: Fill it with water and ensure no leaves are submerged.
- Place in Indirect Sunlight: Position the vase in a sunny spot, like a windowsill, but avoid direct, harsh sunlight.
- Monitor Water Levels: Keep at least ⅔ of the stem submerged in water and refill as needed.
Depending on the plant, it may take 1–4 weeks for roots to form. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transplant the cutting into the soil. Keep it well-watered for the first couple of weeks.
Semi-Hardwood and Hardwood Cuttings
These cuttings are typically taken in the fall or winter during the plant’s dormant stage and are propagated directly in soil. This process is more challenging and requires rooting hormones and careful attention. Stay tuned for a dedicated post on this method!
