How to Propagate Sarcococca Ruscifolia

Dip the pruning shears into a solution of nine parts water and one part chlorine bleach to sanitize them before taking cuttings.

Snip a 4- to 6-inch piece of the Sarcococca ruscifolia's newest growth, making a smooth cut just beneath a leaf. Take cuttings in early morning to minimize the risk of wilting.

Place the cuttings into a plastic bag to keep them from drying out.

Fill 3- to 4-inch containers with equal parts perlite and potting compost.

Pull the leaves from the bottom half of the Sarcococca ruscifolia cuttings.

Dip the wounded end of the cuttings into rooting hormone.

Place the bottom one-third of the cuttings into the growing mix and add water until it is just damp enough to stick to your finger

Put the container inside a clear plastic bag. Move it to a warm, brightly lit location protected from exposure to direct sunlight.

Add moisture only if the growing mix dries out completely.

Check root development by carefully exposing the bottom of the cuttings three weeks after planting. If no roots are visible, replace the cuttings and check them again three weeks later.

Move the cuttings to a growing container filled with potting soil after a sturdy root system develops.

Expose the new Sarcococca ruscifolia plants to outdoor conditions over a two- to three-week period after all danger of hard frost passes in spring.

Transplant the shrubs to their permanent growing sites once they are acclimated to outdoor conditions.