Plant Propagation Techniques – Leaf Cuttings
Plant Propagation Techniques
There are several different plant propagation techniques and this article will cover how to propagate plants using leaf cuttings.
Leaf Cuttings
If several new shrubs are required from a limited amount of propagating material, leaf-bud cuttings can be taken. Provided the material is taken at the right time, individual buds can root and break into growth more quickly than those on a traditional cutting. Camellias, in fact, are propagated more successfully by this method than by any other.
In late summer or early autumn, take cuttings from semi-hard lateral shoots — those which began growing in the spring. Each shoot should have several healthy leaves, with a growth bud in each leaf axil.
With secateurs, cut off the shoot near its base. Then with a sharp knife, cut through the shoot at an angle, about 2cm (3/4in) below the lowest leaf.
Sever the cutting just above the bud in the leaf axil, cutting straight across. Three or four leaf-bud cuttings can be made in this way. Scrape some bark off the cutting with a knife, then dip the end and the wounded part of the cutting in rooting powder. Shake off any surplus.
Fill a pot to just below the rim with a proprietary cutting compost. Insert the cuttings so that the bud just shows above the surface. Take about 12 cuttings for each 15-18cm (6-7in) pot.