Cloning a Jasmine

Propagation by Layering

• Jasmine has stems that grow low to the ground, so layering is an easy way to propagate your vine or shrub. Layering is the process by which a low-growing stem is partly buried close to the bottom of the existing plant. The basal end of the stem remains connected to the plant. The middle of the stem gets wounded and buried. The stem tip protrudes from the soil. The stem used for layering resembles a "U" with the bent end being underground. Garden clips or a heavy brick keep the stem in the soil. During the course of the growing season, the buried section of the jasmine stem sends out roots. The exposed stem tip shows the progress with new growth. Generally, the layered stem remains attached to the parent plant until the following spring. Once you cut the stem from the parent, you dig up the stem and move it to another section of the landscape.

Collecting Cuttings

• Semi-hardwood on a plant is neither fully green nor brown; it is both. The wood is from the current season's growth that has started to harden before the plant becomes dormant, generally from late summer to early fall. In the early morning, take the cuttings from healthy stems that show no sign of pests or disease. Make the cuttings at least 6 to 8 inches long so there are two or more leaf nodes on the cutting. Remove all the leaves and flowers except for the top two or three leaves. Soak the cuttings in water until you can place them in the propagation chamber.

Preparing Propagation Chamber

• The propagation chamber is a container filled with a slightly moistened sterile potting soil or soilless planting mix. The chamber can be a garden pot, seed tray or even the bottom half of a plastic milk jug. The chamber lid can be clear plastic, or a clear plastic bag or plastic food wrap. The moistened soil causes a humid environment that the plastic holds around the jasmine cuttings. Make holes in the planting medium with a pencil or your index finger so the cuttings will set at least 3 inches into the soil. Space the holes far enough apart that the leaves of the cuttings will not touch. Contact with other leaves in the humid chamber can cause mold, which will kill your cuttings.

Care of Cuttings

• Rooting hormone powders and liquids are available at most garden centers. The hormone is a compound made of plant auxin and a fungicide that helps the jasmine cuttings form roots and kills mold spores or other bacteria. For powdered compounds, a slight dusting of the bottom 3 inches of the stem is all that is necessary. Liquid hormone compounds generally need a 3-second dip. Before using the rooting hormone, read the instructions for the exact application of your brand.

  Remove the cuttings from the water, and pat the stems dry with a paper towel. Dip the bottom end of the jasmine cuttings into the rooting hormone. Shake any excess compound from the stems. Stick the cuttings into the holes you made in the planting medium. Firm the medium around the stems to remove air pockets that may allow mold or bacteria to grow. Cover the cuttings with the chamber lid or clear plastic. Set the chamber in a bright, warm area that does not receive direct sunlight. Your jasmine cutting will root in about 6 to 8 weeks. They are ready for potting once the root balls are the size of small marbles.

Caring for New Jasmine Plants

• Any newly cloned plants need hardened off. Direct sunlight causes too much heat and may damage the tender plant tissue. Dry soil conditions or too much water cause the plants to wilt and die. Keep the new jasmine plants shaded and warm. The soil should stay slightly moist but not damp. Plunge your finger to the first knuckle into the soil. If your finger stays dry, the plant needs water. If your finger gets moist, the moisture content is sufficient for the jasmine plant. Transition the new plants gradually to the permanent growing site.