Lesson 1
Selecting and Preparing Cuttings
Choose the right plant material to ensure the highest success rate when starting new cuttings.
Identifying Viable Material
Select healthy stems that are free from flowers or buds. Energy should be directed toward root production, not seed development. Look for stems that are firm and show active green growth.
The Cutting Process
- Sterilise your blades with rubbing alcohol to prevent disease transfer.
- Cut a 10–15 cm section of the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node.
- Remove all leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to prevent rotting in the substrate.
The Node Importance
The node is the area where the leaf meets the stem. This contains a high concentration of meristematic cells, which are capable of transforming into roots. By placing this node in water or soil, you are providing the perfect environment for these cells to activate and begin the cloning process.