Propagating plants from cuttings is one of the most effective ways to create genetically identical copies of your favourite plants. Whether you're cloning herbs or flowers, the right materials and techniques will give you strong, healthy plants. In this guide we cover the supplies you need, walk you through a step-by-step plan and answer the most common questions.
What you need to take cuttings
For successful propagation, these supplies are essential:
- Propagation plugs: they give your cuttings an ideal growing medium. They hold moisture well and create the perfect environment for root development. Use propagation plugs for fast, strong root growth.
- Rooting powder: this powder stimulates root formation and improves your cuttings' survival rate. Browse our cloning powders.
- Propagator: a tray with a lid that keeps humidity and temperature stable – crucial for young cuttings. Also read our tips on choosing the best propagator.
- Sharp scissors or a scalpel: for clean, precise cuts that don't damage the plant.
- Spray bottle: to keep humidity up by misting your cuttings regularly.
Step by step: taking your own cuttings
Follow this simple plan to take cuttings successfully:
Step 1: choose a healthy mother plant
Pick a strong, disease-free plant. Make sure the mother plant is in the vegetative stage.
Step 2: take the cutting
Use sharp scissors or a scalpel to snip off a shoot of about 10–15 cm, just below a leaf node.
Step 3: prepare the cutting
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting powder to kick-start root growth.
Step 4: place the cutting in a plug
Gently push the cutting into a moist propagation plug and make sure it stands firmly.
Step 5: put the cuttings in a propagator
Place the plugs in a propagator to create a stable, humid environment. Propagators are ideal for this.
Step 6: care and monitoring
Put the propagator in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Keep humidity high by misting regularly with a spray bottle. After 1–2 weeks, your cuttings should start developing roots.
Frequently asked questions about cuttings
How long does it take for cuttings to root?
It depends on the plant species, but on average it takes 7 to 14 days.
Can I take cuttings without rooting powder?
Yes, but using rooting powder significantly increases your chances of successful root formation.
How do I know when a cutting is ready to be transplanted?
Once you can see roots growing out of the plug, the cutting is ready to be potted up.
Do I need a propagator?
It's not essential, but a propagator provides a stable environment and greatly improves your success rate.
