The easiest plants to grow from cuttings

Many plants have the ability to grow from cuttings. Cuttings often come from branches or stems, but may also come from a single leaf or a root. There is an art to growing plants from cuttings, but even beginners can have success if they choose the right plants. These are some of the easiest plants to grow from cuttings.

Taking Cuttings: The Basics

Cuttings come in three categories that refer to the time when cuttings are taken:

1. Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring and early summer. Plants have an abundance of growth hormones during these months and can strike (grow roots) quickly.
2. Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken in mid-summer after flowering. Leaves are growing during this time and cuttings can be easier to grow.
3. Hardwood cuttings are taken at the end of the summer. Since this is the pruning season, you may be able to get more cuttings at this time of year. Some cuttings will fail, but you should be able to plant enough to have some ready for transplanting in the spring.

Most cuttings do best if taken during the spring to mid-summer while they are in a growth phase. Avoid taking cuttings in winter when many plants are dormant.

Native Australian Plants

You're out bushwalking and spot a native plant you'd like to grow in your garden. You may not need to get its botanical name and find it at your local nursery. Many native plants can easily be grown from cuttings. Just cut off a healthy stem (or a few) about 75mm long and take them home with you. The ideal soil mix is about three parts washed river sand and 1 part peat moss. You can also add a rooting hormone to help ensure early and healthy growth.

Strip off the bottom half to two-thirds of the leaves. Use a sharp knife to remove bark from the bottom 15-20mm of the stem to allow roots to form. Use a pencil to make a hole in the soil and place the stem in the hole. Pack the soil around the stem and grow in a sheltered spot until the roots are established.

Succulents

Most succulents can easily be grown from cuttings. First you need to find a well-established succulent. Just break off a healthy looking branch with enough length on the stem to plant in a pot. Set it aside for a couple of days until a callous appears. The callous will help prevent fungus from growing and possibly killing your cutting. Plant in a mixture of potting soil and rinsed sand (the sand helps the soil drain). Use a pencil to make a hole in your soil mixture. Place your cutting in the hole, pack the soil around the cutting and water. Don't over-water or allow the soil to dry out and you'll be amazed by how quickly your succulents will start to thrive and grow.

Geraniums

Everyone loves geraniums. If you want more geraniums in your garden, you can grow them from cuttings. All you need to do is take a cutting and place it in a jar of water until roots appear. Then plant your cutting in a pot with good soil. When it becomes established, you can transplant it into your garden. You can also try planting the cutting directly from the water into the soil, but you may have better luck if you plant it in a pot first.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is another flower that's easy to grow from cuttings. The cuttings need a warm temperature to grow, so take your cuttings during the summer months. A mixture of clean river sand and peat moss will give you the best results. Be sure to rinse the sand and mix three parts sand with one part peat moss. You can also use a rooting hormone to speed growth and produce hardier plants.

Use a propagating box or pot with at least 120mm depth for your soil mix. Your cuttings should be at least 150mm long, cut just below a leaf node. For best results, your cuttings should be placed in dappled sunlight and shielded from wind. After they have established roots in about four to five weeks, you can move them to your garden or a pot.

Some other plants that are easy to grow from cuttings include:

• Azaleas
• Camellias
• Fuchsias
• Lavender
• Rosemary

The method for growing from these cuttings are similar to growing other plants from cuttings. Some cuttings may not take, so plant several in pots or a box. Once you've successfully grown from cuttings, you'll want to grow more. There's something amazing about taking a cutting and seeing it turn into a beautiful plant.