Cut stems just below a bud Using a sharp knife (or pruners) cut just below where a leaf attaches to the stem (the node). Roots grow easiest from this location. If you leave a section of stem below the node, it often rots.
Most cuttings like a moist, enclosed environment safe from extremes of temperature, burning sun, drying winds, and pounding rain. I find the best place to grow many of my cuttings indoors is in a translucent plastic sweater box placed beneath fluorescent lights hanging an inch or so above the top.
The node is where leaves, buds and shoots emerge from the stem. You should always cut just above a node, as this prevents 'die back' and therefore disease. Also, by cutting above a node you can manipulate new stems, leaves or flowers to form in a desired direction, as nodes form on different sides of a stem.
If you're looking for where to cut, you want the bottom of the new plant to have a leaf or small branch, the more the better. We cut or pull the leaves and small branches off the bottom of the main stem. You don't want to bury any leaves or small branches, and I prefer to clean the branch up at least halfway.
Answer: Cut off the branch just beyond the branch collar and branch bark ridge. The branch collar is the swollen area at the base of the branch.
Some plants will root in water, but cuttings will develop a better root system when rooted in a soil-less potting mix. Sand or perlite can also be used, especially for cuttings that need good drainage and may rot if kept too wet.
Inadequate Moisture: Cuttings need to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to rot, while under-watering can cause the cutting to dry out and die. Use a spray bottle to mist the cuttings regularly with fresh clean and ensure the soil is consistently moist but well-drained.
Trim the cutting in the following way: Make the bottom cut just below a node (a node is where the leaf and/or the bud joins the stem) (Figure 1). Remove 1/2 to 2/3 of the leaves, starting from the bottom of the cutting. Cut large leaves in half (Figure 2).
It is important to cut below the node as this is where the cells responsible for pushing out new roots are located.
Can you put cuttings straight into soil? You can put a cutting into a fresh pot of soil or try rooting them in water, but it's often best to put the cutting straight into soil.
Willow is good for rooting cuttings because it contains high concentrations of Indolebutyric acid (IBA), and also salicylic acid, from which aspirin is derived and which protects against fungi and other pathogens. To make willow water, simply gather around 2 cups of fresh willow growth chopped up into short lengths.
Some stores may allow shoppers to take cuttings of already damaged plants, but if you take cuttings off of a live plant in a store without first getting permission, you are breaking the law.
Be sure to add fresh water as needed until the cuttings are fully rooted. Rooting will generally occur in 3-4 weeks but some plants will take longer. When the roots are 1-2 inches long or longer the cutting is ready to be potted up.
The area of the stem where leaves begin to grow is called a node. The stalk of the leaf that connects to the node is called the petiole. The area of the stem between nodes is called the internode.
You'll want to snip off a couple inches of healthy stem right before a node and include a node or two with the cutting, as this is where the new roots will come from.
Precision matters: A clean cut above the node can mean the difference between new growth and a stagnant vine. Leave some room: Aim for about 1/4 inch above the node to avoid damaging potential growth points.
Any cutting needs to have a connection point where new stems can form. These are called nodes. To find nodes on your plant, find the newest leaves that have appeared. Place your fingers on the stem right next to the new leaf, and then trace the stem backward to where it connects with another stem.
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.
Cut off all lower leaves with sharp secateurs or a knife (taking care when doing this) – you just want a couple of postage stamps of leaf left at the top at most. Then cut neatly just below what is called a node, the point where a leaf was attached, to leave about 10cm or so of cutting.
Success factors for rooting your cuttings
They'll root faster with plenty of sunlight, but avoid setting them in direct sun. Temperature is also important, the warmer the better to speed things up. For cuttings that are more valuable or difficult, adding a little aquarium pump to oxygenate the water will help a lot.