I chose to write about cloning to be able to teach anyone
including beginners and experts exactly what I have learned
through my own personal experience along with research as an
information backup. My methods are easy and inexpensive. Once
you begin cloning plants it will save you from having to
purchase more of the same. Everyone loses cuttings and knowing
this is normal I want to encourage you to try my techniques so
that you will become a plant enthusiast like I am. You will get
back the effort you put into properly cloning plants. The
rewards are abundant!
You will need to start with a professional starter soil
purchased at a nursery or plant store, or you can make your own
soil. Next, plastic pots are my favorite, but as long as you
properly clean your plant containers and make sure the pots have
plenty of drainage, you can use just about anything. A very
sharp single-edged razor blade should be cleaned carefully with
rubbing alcohol by pouring it over the blade while standing at
the sink. I always encourage adults be present when children are
active in this project.
To have the cuttings retain more
moisture I use clean, clear plastic shopping bags secured with a
large rubber band to cover over the pot. Make sure your cuttings
get plenty of air and that you have plenty of room so the leaves
are not touching the pot or the clear plastic. Proper light and
heat are also crucial. You also need to mist your clones with
water at least 3 to 4 times a day. One of your most important
purchases will be rooting hormones. I prefer liquid or gel over
powder since the successes are higher. Liquid and gel solutions
are easy to use, penetrate stems evenly, and are consistent. You
should never put a clone or starter into cold soil.
Before cutting the stem at a 45 degree angle, you will need
to get the pots ready. I just fill up the clean pots with the
starter soil or soil-less mix to the very top and I use a chop
stick, or unsharpened pencil, and poke it down the center of the
pot, about 2 or 3 inches depending on the size of the pot and
the size of the cutting. You should have at least one inch of
soil left on the bottom of the pot to give the roots plenty of
room. You want at least a half-inch to one and a half inches of
the cutting to be inserted into the hole after dipping the stem
into the rooting hormone.
For plant cloning, I take a stem, or
branch tip (but not from the top of the plant) about 3 to 4
inches long (and it’s really best to cut from a mature branch,
like those near the bottom), and this stem should have 3 to 4
layers of leaves growing out from it. It is best to cut the part
of the plant you want to propagate at a 45 degree angle using
the single-edged razor blade. Never use scissors! When cutting,
hold the stem carefully in your hands and be careful not to
squeeze it. And finally you will need to move your clone into
its proper environment. Remember through trial and error, comes
wisdom!
About the Author:
For a comprehensive guide on how to clone plants for beginners
visit
http://www.cloning-plants.com
