How to Propagate Gelsemium Sempervirens

Use sharp pruners to cut off a 2- to 5-inch piece of stem.

Pull off the leaves from the bottom 1/3 of the cutting, which directs energy and moisture toward the root system and not the foliage.

Fill a 3-inch container with lightly moist vermiculite.

Sprinkle rooting hormone onto the cut end of the cutting.

Plant the bottom 1/3 of the stem tip cutting in the moist vermiculite. Pat the vermiculite down carefully to firm it around the base of the cutting.

Position two or three 4-inch stakes around the edges of the container.

Place clear plastic sheeting over the container, resting it on the stakes so that the gelsemium sempervirens cuttings aren't damaged.

Move the container to a warm location out of direct sunlight.

Check the vermiculite every two to three days and add water only when it feels dry.

Pull lightly on the cutting two weeks after planting. Roots have started to grow when the stem doesn't slide freely from the soil. Take the plastic off the container and move it to a brightly lit area when roots start to from.

Transplant the cutting to a 6-inch container filled with potting soil when the roots are approximately 1/2 inch long.

Move the vine to its long-term container or garden location after foliage growth begins.