It is always interesting to reproduce the plants we have at home. Either to obtain more units for us, or to give them away. However, it is possible that on occasion you have not achieved the desired results. This happens because there are a series of mistakes when making cuttings in which we all tend to fall.
We are going to review them in detail, so that you can cut your plants in the best possible way. If you don't make these mistakes, you will multiply the plants in your garden so quickly that it will seem incredible to you.
Working with dirty or unprotected hands
Do you wash your hands before touching the plants? Probably not, because you will think that it is more logical to do it later, since they will end up stained with dirt. Well, it turns out that this is a mistake both when making cuttings and manipulate our plants to make a transplant or for any other reason.
Hands are a source of contagion of diseases, not only for humans, but also for plants. Therefore, if you are going to touch a plant, especially if you are going to make a “wound” to obtain a cutting, It is advisable that you keep your hands clean.
Simply apply a little soap and water, or directly a disinfectant gel. This way you prevent the cutting from being contaminated with fungi or bacteria.
Another alternative that, at the same time, will protect your hands from possible damage, is to use special gardening gloves. If you do, remember that you have to clean and disinfect them after each use. Remove any accumulated dirt and debris, ventilate the gloves, and spray them with a little disinfectant alcohol. This way they will be ready for a new use.
Using undisinfected tools is one of the main mistakes when making cuttings
If your hands or gloves have to be clean and sanitized, even more so should the tools you use to cut the plant. Because you are going to cause a wound, and there is a risk that the cutting element carries remains of fungi or bacteria from other plants.
After each use, clean the edge of the tools well with a dry cloth. Then, go over the edges with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol. ddry and put away tools. Before the next use, go over the cut part again with a little alcohol.
In this simple way, you avoid possible infections between plants. In fact, if you are working with an infected plant or tree, It is convenient to disinfect the cutting blades after each cut, to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Not choosing the right time
Although it always seems like a good time to root cuttings, the truth is that it is not. Many plants go dormant during the fall and winter. Therefore, if we cut a cutting at this time of year, It may not take root.
It depends on the species, but generally speaking, the best time of year to obtain cuttings and have a chance of success is spring. The exception is plants with hard or woody stems, since in your case the best time to root cuttings is in autumn and winter.
Not monitoring the condition of the mother plant
Another mistake when making cuttings that What we usually do is not pay much attention to the mother plant. Something that can lead to two consequences:
- The lack of rooting of the cutting.
- The death of the mother plant itself.
If we have a plant that is weakened by an infection or a pest, it is not a good idea to cause a wound that puts its defenses even more at risk. Besides, the “children” that we can obtain from her, They are going to be weak, and they could be just as sick.
When it comes to taking cuttings, it is best to look for a mother plant that is as healthy as possible. This gives us a greater guarantee of success with respect to the new plant and also with respect to the mother plant.
Make the cut wrong
To obtain the cutting we make a cut in the trunk or branches of the plant, but it is not worth doing it in any way. In fact, if we do it wrong, the only thing We are going to obtain a piece of plant that is not going to be of any use to us, because it will not take root.
The cut must be made in the part of the plant that we see is the healthiest, and must contain at least one node. After, We remove the leaves that are below the knot, and we leave some above this.
It turns out that the node is the point from which the leaves grow, and it is there where there is the greatest accumulation of cells with the potential to propagate. Therefore, check carefully that you have a knot on your cutting if you want there to be a better chance of success.
Additionally, it is important that you make the cut diagonally. This way you promote faster healing of the mother plant.
Not having patience
Without a doubt, it is one of the biggest mistakes when making cuttings: lack of patience. We cut a piece of one of our favorite plants, and we already want to have another large and beautiful specimen. But nature doesn't work like that.
Rooting is a time-consuming process, and in some species it may be slower than in others. It's more, It can take several months for some varieties.
If you see that the cutting looks good, let it grow quietly. Water it sparingly, don't expose it to direct sunlight, and don't handle it too much. If you let nature take its course, After a few weeks you will have a new plant ready to be transplanted.
Of course, once you plant the rooted cutting in its final location, you cannot forget about it. It is still a very delicate plant, because it is still very weak. Therefore, it controls its growth. Make sure you are giving him the care he needs, and Act as soon as you detect that something is wrong.
If you avoid these mistakes when making cuttings, you will be able to multiply your garden quickly. In a few months you will have a real garden at home.