The Newbie's Playbook for Snagging Native Plants from Cuttings: A Fun and Foolproof Way to Grow!

Embarking on the journey of gardening with native plants is not only rewarding but also beneficial for local ecosystems and wildlife. One of the most accessible and satisfying methods of propagating native plants is through cuttings. In this beginner's guide, we'll explore the simple yet effective process of growing native plants from cuttings, allowing you to cultivate your own little piece of nature right at home.

Why Grow Native Plants From Cuttings?

Before we dive into the propagation process, let's briefly discuss why native plants are a fantastic choice for your garden. Native plants are well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them resilient and low-maintenance. They provide essential habitat and food sources for native wildlife, support biodiversity, and contribute to the overall health and stability of local ecosystems. A great example is the American Beautyberry bush (pictured below). This whimsickal plant is native to the Southeastern US, grows around 3-6 feet tall, and has bright green leaves. In late spring and throughout the summer, the American Beautyberry sports small, pale pink to lavender flowers, but the best part happens in the fall. Clusters of vibrant purple berries, which are edible but tart, start showing up in late summer to early fall. These eye popping berries attract birds, which eat the berries, and pollinators like bees for the flowers. This is an impressive native plant that requires little care, grows fast, and quickly fills its new space.

Selecting Suitable Native Plants

The first step in growing native plants from cuttings is selecting suitable plant species. A native plant's suitability for propagation by cuttings depends on several factors related to its biology and growth characteristics. Here's what makes a plant suitable for this method:

Ability to Regenerate Roots

Rooting Hormones: Plants that naturally produce rooting hormones, like auxins, or respond well to added rooting hormones are more likely to succeed when propagated from cuttings. Many shrubs, vines, and softwood plants regenerate roots easily from cuttings.
Stem Structure: Plants with flexible, non-woody stems (softwood or semi-hardwood) often root more easily, especially during active growth seasons.

Growth Habit

Fast-growing Species: Many fast-growing plants can more easily root from cuttings because they have a high regenerative capacity.
Clonal Growth: Species that spread by stolons, rhizomes, or natural layering tend to be more suitable for cutting propagation because they are already prone to vegetative reproduction.

Seasonality

Growth Stage: Plants are often more suitable for cuttings during specific growth stages (softwood in spring or semi-hardwood in summer), when their tissues are primed for new growth. Evergreen or deciduous plants that enter periods of vigorous growth are ideal candidates for cuttings.

Stem Type

Softwood: Younger, flexible shoots of a plant (such as those in early growth) are often ideal for softwood cuttings since they are less lignified and more likely to form roots.
Semi-hardwood: Mid-season growth can be used in semi-hardwood cuttings, as these have enough flexibility and nutrients to generate roots without being overly tough.
Hardwood: Dormant, mature wood is sometimes suitable for winter cuttings, especially with plants like shrubs and vines.

Moisture Requirements

Moisture Tolerance: Plants that tolerate or thrive in moist or wet conditions often root more successfully because their stems are more adapted to survive and regrow in waterlogged environments (e.g., Buttonbush and Red Osier Dogwood).

Native Environment Resilience

Adaptability: Native plants adapted to a wide range of conditions in their local ecosystem often have higher propagation success rates because they are hardier and more resilient.

Dormancy and Energy Reserves

Dormancy Period: Some plants, especially woody perennials, store energy in their stems during dormancy, allowing them to successfully root and develop once cut and planted during their resting phase (e.g., hardwood cuttings in winter).

Native plants that combine many of these factors are more likely to thrive when propagated by cuttings, making them great candidates for this method.

Here are a few suggestions to get you thinking about which plants you might want to start from cuttings. If you would like a free PDF version, click here.

* Native Plants That Are Great For Propagation from cuttings

Gathering Supplies

Once you've chosen your native plant species, gather the following supplies to get started:

- Sharp, clean pruners or scissors

- Rooting hormone (optional)

- Potting mix or rooting medium

- Small pots or containers

- Clear plastic bags or plastic wrap

- Watering can or spray bottle

Propagation Process

Select Healthy Cuttings:
- Choose healthy, disease-free stems for your cuttings. Select stems that are young, flexible, and free from flower buds. Aim for cuttings that are 4-6 inches long, with several sets of leaves.
Prepare Cuttings:
- Using sharp pruners or scissors, make a clean cut just below a leaf node (where a leaf attaches to the stem). Remove any lower leaves to expose a node where roots will form.
Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional):
- Dip the cut end of each cutting into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Shake off any excess hormone and gently tap the cutting to remove loose powder.
Plant Cuttings:
- Fill small pots or containers with potting mix or rooting medium. Insert each cutting into the soil, ensuring that at least one node is buried. Water the soil thoroughly to settle it around the cuttings.
Create a Mini Greenhouse:
- Cover the pots with clear plastic bags or plastic wrap to create a humid environment that encourages rooting. Secure the plastic around the pots with rubber bands or twist ties.
Provide Care:
- Place the pots in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the cuttings with water as needed to maintain humidity inside the plastic bags.
Monitor Growth:
- Check the cuttings regularly for signs of root development. You may notice new growth or roots emerging from the nodes. Once roots have formed, gradually acclimate the cuttings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden.

Ad for Propagation From Cuttings Checklist

Conclusion

Growing native plants from cuttings is a satisfying and rewarding way to propagate your own plants while supporting local biodiversity. By following these simple steps and caring for your cuttings with patience and diligence, you can cultivate a vibrant garden filled with native beauty. So roll up your sleeves, grab your pruners, and let's get growing!

Your garden – and the planet – will thank you for it.