In propagating plants, the first step is to identify the plants you'd like to take cuttings from. Next, examine their root systems. Be sure to separate the plants in such a way that the roots aren't jeopardized. For example, if you are taking cuttings from a foliage plant, remember that each one of these small segments (figure A) can be turned into a new plant. Expert tip (Bart O'Brien, horticulturist): Virtually any plant can be grown from cuttings... so choose plants with characteristics you like! You'll need a basic understanding of plant anatomy to follow the cloning and grafting parts of this project. Cloning means making an exact genetic copy of a parent plant by cutting, dividing or layering. This project is designed to brighten this 12 x 15 foot space (figure B) and requires: Skill level: 4 (on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult).
Time needed: 12 hours Supplies: Plants of choice
Perlite/Vermiculite
Coarse sand
Potting soil
Various sized nursery containers
Bottom heater
Rooting hormone Tools: Standard gardening tools
Sharp knife Instructions: - Identify plants to be divided. These can be species that already exist in your garden or species from a friend or neighbor. It will not hurt the parent plant to take cuttings from it.
- Plants can be divided using cuttings with roots still intact or by using stems only.
GUESTS :
Bart O'Brien
Director of Horticulture, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens
E-mail: bart.obrien@cgu.edu
Website: www.rsabg.org
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