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T1 Types of Cuttings - Tip, originally uploaded by pennyeast.

Quite a few people asked questions about the various types of cuttings that can can be taken when they were here on Friday. I will try to expand on these over the next few days.

Remember the basics: Take cuttings from strong healthy plants, and take them when the plants are fresh and turgid. Watering the plants well the day before is a good idea! Try to take cuttings in cool conditions and keep them moist and cool to prevent wilting before you can place them into damp rooting medium. If you can't plant them up immediately they will keep in the crisper tray of the 'fridge for a few days. Immerse them in luke-warm water for a while before planting to make sure that they are 100% turgid.

Tip Cuttings

These are the two best types of cuttings in my opinion.

Number 1, a nodal tip cutting, is by far the best cutting to take if the material is plentiful. It is planted up to the level of the lowest set of leaves and is just about guaranteed to strike. Natural growth hormones are concentrated around the nodes and will quickly make roots in a moist, loose medium.

Number two, called an inter nodal cutting because it is cut between two leaf nodes, is almost as good. It is young wood that is growing strongly and so is well supplied with growth hormones. Most cuttings of this type will strike easily in the right conditions. (temps of 13 - 23 degrees C). Plant it to just below the lower leaf node.