How to Grow a Shrub From a Twig

Fill a planting container with a planting medium such as coarse sand or a mixture of half peat moss and half perlite or coarse sand. Moisten the planting medium with a syringe or spray bottle. Any container with a drainage hole in the bottom is appropriate.

Cut 4- to 6-inch twigs from the shrub early in the day while the shrub is well-hydrated. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruners to cut the twigs.

Snip leaves and blooms from the lower half of the twig. Dip the bottom inch of the twig in powdered rooting hormone.

Create a planting hole in the planting medium, using a stick or the eraser end of a pencil.

Plant the twigs in the holes, with each twig planted about 2 inches deep. Although you can plant several twigs in the same container, it's critical that the leaves don't touch. Otherwise, the twigs may rot. If the leaves are large, save space in the container by snipping the leaves in half widthwise.

Pat the planting medium lightly around each twig. Add a small amount of water to settle the planting medium.

Cover the planting container with clear plastic. If the container is small, cover it with a plastic bag.

Place the container in a sunny spot where the twigs aren't exposed to direct sunlight. Too much bright sunlight may scorch the twigs.

Check the twigs every day. Add a small amount of water if the potting medium is dry. Keep the soil moist, but don't over-water, because too much moisture may rot the twigs.

Dig one twig carefully from the potting medium after about a month. If the twig shows healthy roots at least 1 to 2 inches long, the twigs are ready to move to individual containers. If the roots aren't well-developed, check them again about two weeks later.

Remove the plastic about a week before transplanting the rooted twigs into individual containers. Removing the plastic ahead of time allows the twigs to become accustomed to the drier air.

Transplant each rooted twig into an individual container filled with commercial potting soil. Use containers such as pots or coffee cans with drainage holes drilled in the bottom.

Plant the young shrubs into your garden after another three to six weeks, or when the plant is showing healthy new growth. Although you can plant them into a permanent home, shrubs often benefit from one to two years in a sheltered spot first.