Vegetative Propagation
What a great way of getting more plants for free and
having enough left over to give away. It also increases the health
of the plant.
Dividing: When a plant dies out in the center (a very
noticeable brown or bald spot) or becomes to large or is
invading your other plants, it is time to divide it. Just get out
your handy trowel or in some cases your spade and (yes, this
next part is graphic so cover your eyes!) cut clumps of growth
from around the edges of lthe plant. You will not kill the plant.
If you divided it into fairly large clumps, you can use your
hands to divide them into smaller clumps. Re-plant and water
well as soon as possible. Some plants are so tough you may
need to use a sharp knife to cut through it. Pick a day when the
kids or significant others are driving you up the wall. You get
to get dirty and take out your frustrations at the same time!
Layering: Layering is very easy to do. Even if you don't
have the plants you use the layering technique on, maybe
a friend or family member does and you can get a free plant
out of the deal. I use layering on any plant with a long, woody,
flexible stem. I have successfully propagated Obediant plants,
thyme, St. Johns' Wort and others by layering. Some other plants
you can do are: rosemary, sage, rue, lemon verbena, myrtle,
lavender, curry, hyssop and scented geraniums.
During the summer, choose a stem near the base of the
plant that is flexible enough to bend to the ground. Strip off all
the leaves from the part that will touch the ground. Press the
stem down into the dirt laying it across the top of the soil and
secure with a hairpin or bent wire. I have even been desperate
and used a rock with success! Once the stem develops a good
strong root system you can cut it off from the mother plant.
Plant as usual.
Cuttings: Growing plants form cuttings is a faster
way to go, but is not without some risks. It is possible to
have rootings in only 2 weeks! Spring and late summer
are the best time to do cuttings. Choose a healthy, mature
stem that is not quite woody yet. The plant should not be
in bloom. Cut 3-4 inches down from the tip with a sharp
knife or pruners. Strip leaves off the bottom half and insert
the stem in rooting medium. Geraniums should be left to
callous over night. You can use a commercial mix or just
combine 3 parts perlite with 1 part peat. Water and cover
with a plastic bag. Use a popsicle stick to keep the bag off the
cuttings. The stems need bright light but don't place directly
in the sun. Mist daily. If any of the stems die, which happens
often, remove them. When you start to see new growth at the
top, that means you can jump up and down and yell "yahoo"!
Take off the plastic bag and leave the cuttings where they are
for a few days watering as needed. Then plant and pat your-
self on the back.