Propagating has been a part of agricultural practices for centuries and has helped to add variety by creating new plants from a rather wide array. Propagating can be initiated through seeds, cuttings and other plants; in some cases, plants when left alone, especially in the wild have resulted in natural propagation.
There are many different types of cuttings that can be used to propagate plants. Each type of cutting is unique to different plants. Softwood cuttings can be used for plants such as butterfly bush. Greenwood cuttings are ideal to be used on young stems that are about to mature. Semi-ripe cuttings are from tougher plants such as honeysuckle. However, hardwood cuttings are somewhat different, these stems are normally taken from woody stems normally in the late winter. These are taken from trees or shrubs namely mock orange.
There are several ways to go about propagating a plant and displaying it in a glass planter. Here are a few easy steps to follow:
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Use a knife or pruning shears to cut approximately 1/4 inches below the node that is right below that area that the leaf extends from the stem and wash it. The idea is to allow the plant to generate new roots and not just continue growing leaves.
- Dip the cutting of the plant in rooting hormone powder or a similar solution that will encourage the root to regenerate once planted.
- To facilitate growth, the trick of using a plastic bag to mimic the greenhouse effect is great for propagating. Cover the bottom portion with a moist paper towel and wrap it with a plastic bag. Make sure to apply water as needed.
- Like any other young plant, consistent checks must be made to make sure it remains healthy. Once the root starts developing the bag can be removed and the root can be rinsed in room temperature water. After you can display your plant in a beautiful glass planter, but make sure to use filtered water or water that has been sitting around for a day, in order to get rid of the chlorine.
Glass planters as well as hanging glass planters are a great way to show off the beauty of the plant and it's roots.
Have fun experimenting with different cuttings and expand your plant family.