Everything you need to know about cutting

The most widely used reproduction technique, by far, is through cuttings. When you want to obtain plants grown in a very short time, what you do is cut branches or leaves, as the case may be, plant them in pots with well-draining substrates, and keep them moist so that they do not dry out.

But what is the best time to get a cutting? How is it done? We will talk about this and more below.

Types of cutting

There are 5 types of cuttings, which are:

• Woody cuttings: They are obtained from deciduous trees, in autumn or winter. The branches must be at least 1 year old, and measure between 15 and 75cm long.
• Semi-woody cuttings: they are obtained above all from shrubs, in spring or early autumn. The branches must measure about 15cm and have at least two buds. 2 or 3 pairs of leaves should be left at one end so that it can root better.
• Tender cuttings: They are obtained from plants that have not lignified, that is, they do not have woody stems, such as flowers. They are made in spring or summer, cutting stems that are about 15cm tall, removing the flowers so that they do not take away their energy.
• Root cuttings: they are obtained from woody plants, in spring and autumn. Roots have to be cut with the thickness of a pencil, and with a length of about 5cm.
• Leaf cuttings: they are obtained from succulent plants, and more specifically from Echeveria and Haworthia, in spring and summer. You simply have to cut a whole leaf and place it lying flat in a pot with a porous substrate.

What do I need to get the cutting?

To obtain cuttings, all you will need is a Pruning shears or a small hand saw; Even if you want to take young cuttings, kitchen scissors will suffice. Of course, before using it, it is very important that you disinfect them with pharmacy alcohol to avoid possible infections.

In addition, in the case of woody or semi-woody cuttings, it is necessary to put wound healing paste that we have caused to the plant. In this way, we will ensure that your health will not be harmed.

And to take care of them?

To take care of a cutting to root as quickly as possible, I recommend the following:

• As soon as you get it, moisten the base with water and then infuse it with rooting hormones powdered.
• Plant it in pots with porous substrates, such as black peat mixed with perlite in equal parts, coconut fiber mixed with 20% peat, or akadama or vermiculite alone or mixed in equal parts.
• Water it from time to time, about 2-3 times a week.
• Spray it every 2 days so you don't get dehydrated.
• It is highly recommended that the temperature remains more or less stable, that there are no drastic rises or falls.
• Sprinkle the substrate surface with copper or sulfur, in spring and / or autumn. They are natural fungicides that will keep fungi away.
  Be careful if you have pets, as they are toxic to them. In this case, it is better to use any other natural fungicide sold in nurseries, or cinnamon.

Do you dare to plant cuttings? 🙂