How to Grow Plants from Clippings

Filed in archive Latin Culture on April 30, 2008

© margolove



Do you have a green thumb? I suppose I must, because despite gross negligence, I manage to keep plants alive and well. I usually buy a little green friend and watch it grow.

Lately, though, I've decided to try my hand at growing a plant from clippings. You see, I have a friend that has so many plants, I figure I can be set for fresh herbs forever just from pieces of her garden.

There are a million rules for all sorts of different plants, and an entire mini-greenhouse creation process. But, truth be told, I just want more plants on my balcony-I'm not aiming for a spot in Homes & Gardens. So, I'm going with basic rules of thumb for most plants.

These are the (simplified) tips that I have to share:

-Cut a piece that is 10-20 cm
-Make sure to cut at an angle (about 30 degrees)
-Take off the leaves on the bottom half of the piece you cut, as well as any flowers or buds
-Place the cutting in water
-Keep the cutting away from strong wind and direct sunlight

You can put a tiny bit of fertilizer in the water (hardly any). After around 4 hours, you have a decision to make: dirt or no dirt.

Some plants grow roots better in water. In that case leave them swimming until you see roots, and then plant them in potting soil. Otherwise, put them in moist dirt.

You can make a little greenhouse for them. Personally, I just find a shady warm niche for them in the house.

This year its mint, chamomile, basil, and anything else I come up with. What are you growing this spring?