This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Do you dream of spreading your favorite plants all over your space, or of offering them to your loved ones? It is possible to do this without buying new seeds or new plants thanks to cuttings. Yes, cuttings allow you to multiply your plants from their stem. Here is a practical guide to learning how to take cuttings: when, the best varieties, the best techniques. In short, tips and tricks for successful cuttings!
Choose the right time
Growing plants take root much more easily. It is better to take advantage of this period to make your cuttings! In Quebec, the ideal time is during the months of April to August, when there is more light and heat.
How to do ?
To reproduce its plants by cuttings, we first cut a section of the plant (under a node), then we encourage it to produce roots. To do this, two techniques are suitable for most plants: cuttings in the ground and cuttings in water. For the first, simply place its section directly in the soil, then ensure that there is very high ambient humidity! To make a cutting in water, all you have to do is place the cutting in the liquid to force root production.
What about succulents?
Succulents, aloe vera and cacti have the particularity of retaining mineral reserves in their stem. To succeed with your cuttings, you must therefore first dry the leaves or the stem. Calculate about two weeks of drying before planting.
What plants can be taken from cuttings?
Some varieties of plants multiply more easily. It is therefore in your best interest to favor these when you start cuttings. We present here the easiest species to multiply at home.
To dive into the water
• THE coleus come in all kinds of shapes and colors, each one more magnificent than the next! Just drop a section into the water to force the roots to form, then be sure to place the pots in a shady spot.
• There misery lives up to its name… it grows everywhere and in all conditions! You can’t go wrong, it even resists lack of water. The perfect plant for the inexperienced gardener.
To put in the ground
• The stems of the spider plant produce roots on their own. All you have to do is plant them in the ground for a successful cutting!
Dry before planting
• You can plant the cuttings of cactus and of succulents after letting them dry for two weeks. Be sure to use potting soil that drains well and place them in full sun. All you have to do is water them when the soil dries out.
• There porcelain plant multiplying at full speed in nature. A single leaf fallen to the ground can make a plant grow! Roots will appear after two weeks.
• To start a seedlingjade tree, just lay a dry leaf on some soil. It will take root by itself, nothing simpler!
• Edible and above all delicious, the prickly pear has one of the fastest growths of the species. It is also the one with the least thorns. You only have to cut and dry a racket to get a new plant. Don’t worry if your fig tree becomes “too” prolific, just make salads!
Now you know everything there is to know about cuttings. All you have to do is practice to become a pro!
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.