How to Root a Bald Cypress Branch

Fill a small pot with equal quantity of sand, perlite and peat to root the cuttings. You can also use fine gravel. Pour an inch of the rooting hormone into a plastic cup.

Cut 4- to 8-inch-long sections of softwood stems using sharp scissors. Measure stems from the tip. Softwood stems are the current year's growth that is still pliable and succulent. The best time to take softwood cuttings is anytime from the middle of spring to the middle of summer.

Remove all the leaves from the lower half of each stem. Leave a few leaves at the top as these will naturally continue to produce a substance that helps in rooting.

Create planting holes by inserting a pencil 2 inches deep into the rooting medium. Dip the base of each cutting into the rooting medium and plant in individual planting holes.

Firm the rooting medium around the cuttings. Water well. Place the pot in a large, clear plastic bag. Insert a chopstick in the rooting medium to keep the bag from falling down. Close the top with a rubber band to help create a greenhouse environment.

Place the pot in a bright, warm area out of direct sunlight. Open the bag every three to four days. Water enough to keep the rooting medium moist but not wet. It usually takes a few weeks for softwood cuttings to root.

Transfer rooted cuttings to medium-sized, individual containers filled with a well-drained potting soil. Let the plants get well-established before transferring to a permanent spot in the garden.