Love geraniums?
Want more of them without buying new plants?
You can grow them from cuttings and clippings!
Here are 8 simple tactics to help you out.
Get ready to grow like a pro!
Select the Perfect Cuttings
Put on your gardening gloves and start by choosing healthy, robust stems. Look for stems that are free of any disease or pests.
Snip a 4-6 inch section right below a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors. Make sure the stem isn’t flowering because you want the plant to focus on rooting, not blooming.
Remove Lower Leaves
Once you’ve got your cuttings, remove the lower leaves from the bottom half of the stem. This is important because you don’t want leaves sitting in water or soil later on.
They can rot and cause issues. Just gently pinch them off or use those sharp scissors again.
Dip in Rooting Hormone
Not mandatory, but definitely a booster! Dipping the cut end of your stem in rooting hormone can speed up the rooting process.
Just dip the bottom inch of your cutting into the powder or gel. This encourages root growth and helps the cutting get established faster.
Plant in Soil
Fill a small pot with well-draining soil and poke a hole in the center. Place your cutting into the hole and gently pat the soil around it.
You’ll want to water the soil lightly to settle it around the cutting. Easy does it; you don’t want to drown your new plant!
Water and Cover
After planting, give your new plant baby a good drink. Then cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect.
This will keep the humidity high, which is crucial for the cuttings to root. Make sure the bag isn’t touching the leaves; you can use sticks to prop it up if needed.
Find the Right Spot
Place your mini greenhouse in a warm, bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. Indirect light is the sweet spot.
You want it warm enough to encourage growth but not so hot that it fries the plant. Check on it daily to make sure the soil remains moist, not soggy.
Be Patient
Rooting can take a few weeks, so patience is key! Check for roots by gently tugging on the stem after a couple of weeks.
If you feel resistance, congrats, you’ve got roots! If not, give it more time.
Keep the soil moist and the environment humid.
Transplant
Once your cuttings have a good root system, usually in about 4-6 weeks, they’re ready to be moved to their permanent home. Gently transplant them into a larger pot or garden bed.
Water them well and watch them flourish!