Propagation by cuttings—often called cloning in hydroponics—is a method of producing genetically identical plants by cutting a healthy section from a parent plant and encouraging it to grow roots. It’s faster than growing from seed and ensures the new plant retains the same traits as the original.
Why Use Plant Cuttings Instead of Seeds?
Faster Growth: Skip the germination stage and go straight to rooting.
Genetic Consistency: Clones are exact copies of the mother plant.
Efficiency: Especially valuable for hydroponic growers seeking uniform results.
Cuttings are ideal for herbs, leafy greens, ornamentals, and even fruiting plants like tomatoes.
✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Successful Plant Cuttings
1. Choose the Right Mother Plant
Must be healthy: Free from pests and disease.
Non-flowering: Flowering plants have lower success rates.
Juvenile tissue only: Mature stems root poorly.
Upright stems: These carry more auxin, the hormone that promotes root growth.
🌿 Pro Tip: Auxin is synthesized in the top buds and travels downward, so use vertical shoots—not side branches—for best results.
2. Timing Matters: Season & Time of Day
Best time of day: Early morning, when plant cells are fully turgid and hydrated.
Best time of year: During active growth seasons (spring/summer). Avoid dormant periods unless you’re taking hardwood cuttings from woody perennials.
If you try to propagate during dormancy—even indoors—you’re likely to get rot, not roots.
3. Use Clean, Sharp Tools
Always sterilize your tools before and after use.
Use scissors, knives, or secateurs that are sharp and free from sap and soil.
Disinfect with vinegar, alcohol, or horticultural sterilants to prevent viral infections spreading between plants.
🛑 A contaminated blade can ruin your whole propagation batch.
4. Making the Cut: Where and How
Make your first cut at the internode, then:
Make a final cut just below a node (where a leaf meets the stem).
Remove the bottom leaf and petiole (leaf stalk), but don’t damage the main stem.
Reduce water loss by trimming remaining leaves or cutting them in half—especially on tricky-to-root species.
The node is where roots most commonly emerge.
5. Maintain Moisture and Humidity
Cuttings must retain moisture until they grow roots. Here’s how:
Insert into moist plugs, rockwool, or other media (never soggy). Use a dilute solution of nutrient solution, such as Liquid Gold at 0.5mL / litre.
Place in a propagation dome, tent, or tray with at least 95–100% humidity.
Mist once or twice daily or use a fogger or automated mister.
Provide low light levels to minimize evaporation while stimulating root hormone activity.
💧 Avoid intense light or strong airflow during this stage—it dries out unrooted cuttings fast.
6. Wait Patiently and Monitor
Rooting time: 1 to 8 weeks, depending on species.
Check for mold, rot, or dry-out daily.
Once roots develop, gradually reduce humidity to harden off the new plant.
🌱 Bonus Tips for Better Success
Use rooting hormones (like IBA) to boost success—coming in a future post!
Try micro cuttings for small-leaf plants or advanced propagation.
Always choose mother plants with desired traits—especially for variegated or hybrid types.
Check plant variety rights (PBRs)—some cultivars are legally protected and require permission or royalty payments to propagate commercially.
📝 Examples: Black Lace elderberry, most commercial strawberry cultivars (though they’re usually propagated by runners, not cuttings).
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake
Why It Fails
Taking cuttings from mature/flowering stems
Poor root formation
Using dirty tools
Spreads viruses
Low humidity after cutting
Causes dehydration and failure
Overexposure to light
Increases transpiration
Waterlogged media
Leads to rot, not roots
🌿 Final Thoughts: Should You Use Cuttings for Propagation?
If you want to replicate strong, healthy plants quickly and efficiently—especially in hydroponic systems—cuttings are a go-to method. Just follow clean practices, respect timing, and provide the right environment.
Article by Dr Russell Sharp
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