How to Clone From a Stem Cutting
- 1). Moisten the potting soil and fill the growing container. Poke holes about 3 inches deep in the soil for the cuttings. The preformed holes keep the rooting hormone from rubbing off the stem cuttings when you insert them into the soil.
- 2). Cut two or three stem cuttings from the parent plant, using clean pruning shears. Make the cuttings 6 to 8 inches long and include at least one leaf node close to the bottom of the cutting. Remove all but the top two or three leaves. If the leaves are large, cut off the top half of each leaf.
- 3). Pour 1 tbsp. of rooting hormone on a paper plate. Dip each cutting into the hormone to coat the bottom 3 inches of the stems. Shake off the excess and insert the cuttings into the soil. Firm the soil into place around the stem cuttings.
- 4). Insert wooden sticks into each corner of the growing tray. Cover the tray with clear plastic or insert the tray into a clear plastic bag. The sticks keep the plastic off the cuttings. Seal the plastic to keep the humidity level high.
- 5). Place the stem cuttings in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Open the plastic for a few hours each day to allow air circulation. Remove cuttings that appear diseased or moldy.
- 6). Check for root development after three or four weeks by tugging gently on the leaves of the cuttings. When you feel resistance, the plant has developed a root system. Remove the plastic from the growing tray.
- 7). Grow out the new plants until there is a healthy root system. Transplant the young plants into separate containers or directly into the garden. Care for the plants as you do the host plant.
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