Cutting PropagationFloral Careers Plant Propagation

Meristematic: these are composed of actively dividing cells and are responsible for plant growth.◦ apical meristems◦ lateral meristems (vascular cambium)

Permanent: these are composed of cells that are no longer dividing. They form the structure of the plant.

Plant Tissue Types

The Simplified Plant

Types of Cuttings

Stem Cuttings Leaf-Bud Cuttings Stem Sections Leaf Cuttings

Section of stem about 4-6 inches long and having at least 2 nodes.

The basal end of the cutting is inserted into a rooting medium.

Stem Cuttings

Stem Cutting of Fuchsia

At the nodes. At the cut end of the stem. Between the nodes. All 3 involve meristematic tissues.

Three Possibilities for Root Formation

cut end

nodesbetween the nodes

Leaf-Bud Cutting Consists of a leaf blade,

petiole, and a portion of the stem containing a bud.

Make and plant the cuttings in such a way that all 3 rooting possibilities exist.

Use a rooting hormone. Provide bottom heat. Maintain moisture and humidity. Avoid direct sunlight.

Successful Cutting Propagation

A good medium should be well-drained, yet have some moisture retaining capabilities:◦ 2 parts coarse perlite◦ 1 part sphagnum peat moss

Propagation Medium

coarse perlite

sphagnum peat moss

2 1

propagation flat with clear dome rooting powder

electric propagation mats for bottom heat

House plants that can be propagated using this method include:◦ Hawaiian Ti Plant◦ Dracaena◦ Dumbcane◦ Chinese Evergreen

Stem Sections

Stem sections can be positioned vertically or horizontally

A select group of house plants can be propagated using leaf cuttings.

Examples include:◦ Snake Plant◦ Begonia◦ African violet◦ Peperomia

Leaf Cuttings

An assortment of leaf cuttings

Begonia leaf cutting; notice the new shoot in the center of the picture

Rooted Begonia leaf cuttings ready to transplant

Peperomia leaf cutting with new shoot

Rooted Peperomia leaf cutting ready to transplant

The End