Plant Propagation – Cuttings

In our “Birds and Bees” series, we have been learning all about plant propagation. Up to now, we have been investigating sexual reproduction, which involves combining genetic contributions from both pollen (male) and an egg (female) to produce a seed. For the next few months we’re going to learn about asexual reproduction, where a new plant is formed from cells of a single parent (a genetic clone).

Asexual propagation can occur via leaves, stems, and roots. For the gardener, propagation methods include taking cuttings of a plant, dividing plants, separating stolons, harvesting bulbets or rhizomes, layering, and grafting. This summer, inspired by Jack Kraemer’s Grow Your Own Plants, I experimented with taking leaf and stem cuttings of some of my potted succulents.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy)

The parent plant was part of a welcome gift from a new employer. Flaming Katy is a house plant, but mine has thrived outside in the mild San Francisco Bay Area climate for many years, surviving both drought and wet feet. In May, I stuck stems into regular potting soil, and three months later have rooted plants.

Top left: parent plant (and leaf cuttings). Top right: stem cuttings.

Bottom left: transplants. Bottom right: rooted stem cutting.

Schlumbergera truncata (Christmas Cactus)

I purchased the parent plant from the grocery store last year to help decorate the house for Christmas. Christmas Cactus is also a common house plant, but mine has thrived outside during our mild summer weather. The “leaves” are actually flattened stems, called cladodes. Each stem section sports several aerial roots. I stuck several of the stems into regular potting soil, and now have several new plants.

Top left: parent plant (still in its red foil wrapper). Top right: cladode with aerial roots.

Bottom left: transplants. Bottom right: roots.

Sedum morganianum (Donkey Tail)

The parent plant was a gift from relatives in Southern California. I was quite taken with their collection of potted Donkey Tails hanging from the trees and pergola in their  Huntington Beach backyard. I stuck individual leaves and stems into regular potting soil, and three months later have healthy, rooted plants.

Top left: parent plant. Top right: stems and leaves.

Bottom left: transplants. Bottom right: roots and a pup forming at the base.

Asexual propagation is a great survival mechanism for plants, especially when sexual reproduction is not possible. For the gardener, propagation using leaf or stem cuttings is a great way to propagate plants with desirable traits, and an easy way to multiply plants for your own use, or to give as gifts to friends and family.