How to Transplant Cuttings From Plants

Transplant Herbaceous Cuttings

• 1

  Select plants to propagate. Cuttings taken from herbaceous, nonwoody plants such as dahlia, coleus and chrysanthemums root quite quickly. Cut a 4- to 6-inch piece of stem from the parent plant.

• 2

  Remove the leaves on the bottom half of the cutting. Place it in a clear jar or glass container filled with water in a sunny spot on a kitchen window sill. Change the water weekly until strong roots develop.

• 3

  Plant the cutting in a mixture of equal parts of potting soil, organic compost and sand. when roots are developed

• 4

  Transplant to a permanent pot or outdoor location when the plant is firmly established and evidences new growth.

• 5

  Fertilize new cuttings only when roots are firmly established and plants have been transplanted. When fertilizing new plants, use a half-strength, organic solution.

Transplant Softwood Cuttings

• 6

  Trim cuttings from softwood plants just prior to the plant beginning to mature. Shoots from softwood plants such as redbud (Cercis spp), forsythia (Forsythia spp) and goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria spp) are ready for propagation when the stem can be easily bent and snapped off. Generally this occurs in May through July.

• 7

  Cut 8- to 10-inch cuttings with sharp pruning shears. Keep cuttings moist.

• 8

  Place cuttings in individual small pots or Styrofoam cups filled with a mixture of equal parts sand, soil and aged organic compost. Make sure there is a drainage hole punched in the bottom.

• 9

  Water the soil until it is moist but not soggy. Place in a sunny location and keep the plant uniformly moist. Do not over-water.

• 10

  Transplant to a permanent spot in the garden when plants are firmly rooted and evidence new growth.