Yes, cover your green (softwood) cuttings with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome. This locks in moisture and prevents the leaves from drying out before the cutting can grow roots. However, leave woody cuttings and succulents uncovered, as excess moisture can cause them to rot.
It's July, and an ideal time to take stem cuttings so the new plants can develop a root system before the winter. There are many articles and videos on this topic, and most will suggest covering the pots with a plastic bag or coke bottle to maintain a high moisture level to prevent the cuttings from drying out.
Hardwood cuttings are taken from mid-autumn until late winter from vigorous healthy shoots of the current year's growth - this will be woody but pliable. Use for deciduous climbers, shrubs, trees (including fruit) and some evergreens such as hollies.
It is illegal to propagate some plants primarily to protect intellectual property (such as plant patents or trademarks), to prevent the spread of agricultural diseases, or to control invasive species.
Another way to reduce water loss is to keep the cuttings in a humid atmosphere – place a clear plastic bag over individual pots or use a propagator with a lid.
Remove the plastic cover from your cuttings gradually once new leaves appear or roots begin to form—typically in 2 to 4 weeks. Sudden exposure to dry room air will shock the cutting and cause it to wilt.
The ideal seal depends on your method of propagation, but the most common and accessible options include melted candle wax, super glue, or commercial pruning paste.
Bill Gates argued against relying on planting trees as a primary solution to climate change, calling the idea "complete nonsense". He believes tree planting is insufficient, unproven at scale, and distraction from necessary technological solutions like direct air capture, arguing that emissions reduction requires fundamental industrial changes rather than relying on reforestation.
Plant cuttings typically take 2 to 6 weeks to root. However, the exact time frame depends heavily on the plant variety, the propagation medium, and environmental conditions.
Yes, you can put cuttings straight into soil. In fact, many plants establish stronger, more resilient root systems this way compared to water propagation. To ensure success, you need to retain moisture, prevent rot, and use a well-draining potting mix.
Keep your cuttings between 65°F and 75°F, avoiding excessive heat. If your area is too cold, consider a heating mat or cable especially designed for this purpose.
Firm your cuttings in. Put a plastic bag tent over the top, held in place with an elastic band around the pot. Use some sticks to create a frame that the bag can sit over so that the plastic doesn't rest against the cuttings. Put in a light, warm position such as a well-lit windowsill, but not in direct sunlight.
Plants do not have ears, but they absolutely perceive and respond to sound vibrations. They use acoustic cues to detect passing pollinators, protect themselves from predators, or locate water sources.
Most cuttings taken in spring will be flowering in their first summer. Those taken in late summer will be overwintering under glass and be ready to harden off during May. One of the keys to overwintering rooted cuttings under glass is to keep them on the dry side in bright frost-free conditions of around 7°C (45°F).
Pairing your propagations with faster rooting plants such as spider plants, pothos, swedish ivy, tradescantia, or if you can find a willow branch, add that to the water vessel too! It can really help speed up root development! More rooting hormones in the water = faster root growth.
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Propagating Plants from Cuttings
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A 9,000-year-old tree is typically a clonal tree, where a single ancient root system continuously sprouts new trunks over millennia.
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Bill Gates is the largest private owner of U.S. farmland, holding over 242,000 acres of agricultural land across 181818 states. Most of his agricultural acreage is managed through his investment firm, Cascade Investment LLC, and focuses on productive, sustainable farming practices.
Some people may advise you to use vaseline, but remember that this is a petroleum-based product and might do more harm than good.
Willow Water Tea
If you want to use rooting hormone on edible or organic plants, DIY options are usually best—one of the most effective is willow water. Willow is also a natural source of salicylic acid, which keeps fungi and bacteria from growing on cuttings.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is safe for plant roots, but only if it is highly diluted. Standard 3% household hydrogen peroxide acts as a great oxygen booster and mild disinfectant, but undiluted use can chemically burn delicate root hairs.