6 Mistakes When You Propagate Plants

In order to propagate a plant the first thing you should know is to recognize its biological properties. You should also know the conditions of the environment required for the process of propagation, to get the best results.

The conditions the plant needs are:

• humidity
• soil moisture
• optimal air temperature
• the depth of the soil in which the plant is planted and
• the timing of planting.

The plants can be propagated in two ways: vegetative (with cuttings) and generative (with seeds).

In this article, I will talk about the mistakes most gardeners make with vegetative propagation.

1. Propagating in the wrong season

The best time to propagate is in the spring. In the spring, the plant is full with juices. The best month to take cutting is in May (this may depend on the zone you live in, but usually it is May)

2. Choosing the wrong part of the plant to take cuttings

You should choose a healthy cutting from (closer to) the top of the plant. You have to make sure that the mother plant is in excellent condition.

3. The process of establishing a good root system

This process may depend on the variety of the plant which is you will propagate. It can take as long as four weeks up to several months ( for some varieties it can take as long as a full year). Do not transplant the plant before it is ready.

4. Not cleaning the tools you use

You have to make sure you are using clean tools when you take cuttings. If the tools are not clean enough you may transfer some parasite you don’t want near your new plants. Also, make sure that the tools are sharp. Cut the branch at a 45 degrees angle.

5. The right time of the day

You can’t take cuttings whenever in the day. The best hours in the day are in the morning. That is because all the juices of the plant are circulating trough the plant, meaning the cutting will be full of juice and energy. Ready for a new beginning.

6. Choosing the soil

The soil should be sandy and nutritious. It is best to have the ability heat up quicker and to contain the heat. Also, it should have good drainage.

The pots with the new cuttings should be placed in a shady spot, in warm and humid conditions. In home condition you can use a jar, a plastic bottle or a plastic bag to give the cuttings the best conditions to grow.

In order to speed up the process and to be a success you should use fertilizer. (You can prepare your own homemade organic fertilizer)