Plant propagation is a method that can be used to create new plants from existing plants. Plant propagation allows an individual to increase the number of plants within their garden, yet not have to purchase the plants themself from a nursery. There are various different method by which plants can be propagated, and each different method work in slightly different ways within the plant world.
One of the first methods of plant propagation is the use of seeds. When using this method of propagation, the resulting plants will be genetically different from the original plants due to the nature of sexual propagation. Therefore, this method is beneficial for those who desire genetically different varieties of plants from those which they already possess.
How to Make New Plants
However, this method isnt the most best means of producing a genetically identical plant to the original; in such cases, the individual should utilize vegetative propagation methods. Cuttings are one form of vegetative propagation. To utilize this method, an individual must use a sharp knife to remove a portion of the existing plant.
There are three different types of cuttings, which are softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and hardwood cuttings. The gardener will typically take softwood cuttings in the late spring. Softwood cuttings will grow their roots quick, but will wilt easy.
Hardwood cuttings will be taken after the plant’s leaves have dropped on the ground during the fall season, and are more durable once placed into soil. Another method of propagation is the division process. This process involves dividing a single plant into several individual plant that already possess roots.
This process is relatively simple, as there is no need to await the growth of roots for the division process. Some plants, like hostas and daylilies, possess fibrous clumps that can be divided using garden fork. Other plants, like grasses and irises, are more dense in their root structure and require the use of a spade to perform the division.
Division is beneficial in that the division process rejuvenates the parent plant. Plants that are too crowded often dont have time to perform as well (they will flower less often), so dividing the plant allows the parent plant to exhibit more vigorous growth. Another method of propagation is the use of layering.
Layering is more reliable than cuttings, as the stem that is being used for propagation remains attached to the mother plant. This ensures that the rooting stem has a continual supply of water. Air layering can be utilized for tall houseplants.
To perform air layering, the gardener wounds the bark of the cutting, and damp moss is packed around the wound. Once the roots have formed within the moss, the individual can cut the stem beneath the roots, and the cutting can be transplanted into a pot. Some of the types of layering include tip layering, mound layering, and compound layering.
Grafting is another complex method of propagating plants. Grafting is typically used for fruits or roses of specific varieties. In grafting, the cambium layer of the cutting (scion) must touch the cambium layer of the rootstock.
Once the two plants touch, the cutting and rootstock will produce one plant with the fruits of the cutting and the disease resistance of the rootstock. Water propagation is another method of propagating plants. To use this method, the individual must place a cutting into water.
Some of the plants that root easy in water include many tropical vines and culinary herbs. Woody plants, however, take more time to root in water. The gardener should change the water every few days to maintain cleanliness of the water.
The plant cutting should be transplanted into soil once the roots rooted in water becomes too long and brittle. The medium in which the cutting is planted is also important to the growth of the plant. The individual should not utilize soil from the garden for propagating plants, since the soil may compact around the cutting, or may contain diseases that could destroy the cutting.
Instead, a growing medium should be used, such as perlite, coir, or coarse sand. These growing mediums contain moisture for the cutting, yet allow for air to reach the roots. Additionally, rooting hormone can also be used to assist the cutting in establishing it’s roots.
If using rooting hormone, the individual should tap the excess hormone off the cutting. Otherwise, the hormone may form a crust around the cutting and prevent the cutting from absorbing the water. For successful propagation, an individual must perform certain habits.
First, the tools must be kept clean. The method of propagation should be matched with the life cycle of the plant. Finally, the cuttings should be provided with steady warmth and humidity until the roots have formed.