Propagation through stem cuttings is a time-honored and highly effective way to grow plants. Jason from Fraser Valley Rose Farm shares his practical knowledge and insights on this propagation method, explaining its versatility and wide application across plant species. With years of experience and thousands of cuttings under his belt, Jason reveals the nuances of this method that have led to his consistent success.
While the principles behind stem cuttings are simple, understanding the finer details can make all the difference. Whether you’re propagating roses, willows, or hydrangeas, the fundamentals remain the same, with slight adjustments based on plant type and stage of growth.
Understanding the Basics of Stem Cuttings
At its core, stem cutting propagation involves taking a portion of a plant’s stem—cut below one node and above another—and providing the right conditions for it to root. This method works across various plants, from woody shrubs like roses and dogwoods to soft perennials like sage and rosemary.
Jason emphasizes that the method is botanically consistent. Whether working with a tiny softwood cutting from a perennial or a hardwood cutting from a grapevine, the technique revolves around the same principles. However, plant material and timing play a crucial role in determining success.
Addressing Common Questions About Stem Cuttings
Should You Score the Cutting?
Scoring, or lightly wounding the base of a cutting, is often suggested to expose the cambium layer and encourage rooting. Jason notes that while this technique can increase the rooting surface area, it’s not essential for all plants. For roses, which he propagates in large quantities, skipping this step saves time without significantly affecting success rates. However, scoring might be worth trying on stubborn varieties or plants with slower rooting tendencies.
Does the Top Cut Need to Be Slanted?
Some guides recommend making an angled cut at the top of the cutting. Jason dismisses this as unnecessary unless you need a visual cue to distinguish the top from the bottom. The suggestion that an angled cut helps water drain off is unfounded, as rain will uniformly wet the plant regardless of the cut’s angle.
Do You Need Rooting Hormone?
Using rooting hormone is optional but can make a measurable difference. Jason finds that it boosts his success rates by around 10%, which is significant when working with large batches of cuttings. While powders are his go-to choice for convenience, gels and liquids also work well. The key is selecting the appropriate hormone strength based on the cutting type: softwood, semi-hardwood, or hardwood.
The Role of Plant Growth Stages
Recognizing the stage of plant growth is crucial to tailoring your approach:
- Softwood Cuttings: Taken from new growth, these cuttings root quickly but require high humidity and warmth.
- Semi-Hardwood Cuttings: Mid-season growth provides more stability and resilience, with moderate warmth and humidity needed.
- Hardwood Cuttings: Dormant-season cuttings are less active and take longer to root but require minimal care beyond ensuring they stay moist and protected.
Jason also highlights plants that don’t need rooting hormones at all, such as willows and fuchsias. For these, nature takes care of the hard work, making them ideal for beginners.
Practical Tips for Success
For Jason, propagation success is about optimizing conditions and streamlining the process:
- Temperature and Moisture: Adjust these based on the cutting’s growth stage. Softwood cuttings thrive in warm, moist environments, while hardwood cuttings prefer cooler, less humid conditions.
- Sanitation: Keep tools clean to avoid contaminating cuttings or rooting media, especially when working with rooting gels.
- Efficiency: When propagating in large numbers, simplifying steps—like skipping unnecessary scoring—saves time without compromising results.
The Joy of Stem Cutting Propagation
Jason’s passion for propagation stems from its versatility and the satisfaction of creating new plants from existing ones. Whether you’re growing roses, hydrangeas, or perennials like sage and phuopsis, this method provides a reliable way to expand your garden.
If you’ve been curious about propagating specific plants or have questions about improving your technique, this guide is a great starting point. And as Jason points out, propagation is as much about experimentation as it is about following tried-and-true methods.
