Geraniums, also commonly known as pelargoniums, are popular plants among gardeners due to their bright, colorful flowers and easy care. One of the best ways to propagate geraniums is by taking cuttings, which is a simple and effective method to create new plants. In this article, we will guide you through the process of taking geranium cuttings, from choosing the right equipment to preparing the cuttings for planting.
First, you’ll need to prepare the necessary tools and equipment. This includes a sharp pair of garden shears or pruners, potting soil or a well-drained soil mix, small plastic pots or containers, and a rooting hormone if desired. It’s important to choose clean and sterilized tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
To start, move early in the growing season, most often in late spring or early summer. This is when the geraniums are actively growing and will root more easily. Choose a healthy stem with several sets of leaves and snip it off just above a leaf node. Remove any flowers or buds from the cutting, as they will divert energy from root growth.
Next, trim the stem of the cutting to about 4-6 inches long. Make the cut just below a leaf node, using a clean and sharp tool. The cutting should have at least one set of leaves at the top, so it can continue to photosynthesize and provide energy for root development.
Now it’s time to prepare the cutting for planting. If you have chosen to use a rooting hormone, dip the cut end of the stem into the powder or liquid. This helps to stimulate root growth and improve the chances of successful rooting. If you prefer an eco-friendly approach, you can skip the rooting hormone.
Fill a small plastic pot or container with potting soil or a well-drained soil mix. Make a hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil, and gently insert the cutting into the hole, burying at least 1-2 inches of the stem. Firm the soil around the cutting to ensure good contact between the stem and the soil.
Prior to planting, water the cutting thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets. Place the potted cutting in a bright, but not direct sunlight location. A cool and well-ventilated area is ideal, as it will promote healthy root growth. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the propagation process.
Within a few weeks, you’ll start to see new growth emerging from the nodes of the cutting. This means the cutting has successfully rooted and is ready to be moved to a larger container or planted in the garden. Be sure to keep a close eye on the moisture levels and provide water as needed to ensure the young plants thrive.
In conclusion, taking geranium cuttings is an easy and rewarding way to propagate these beautiful plants. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create new geraniums that will enhance your garden beds or potted arrangements. Whether you’re a seasoned horticultural expert or a novice gardener, this method of propagation is sure to give you a better understanding of the genus Geranium and its growing habits.
How to Propagate Geraniums in Water
If you want to learn how to propagate geraniums in water, there are a few essential things you need to know. Geraniums, also known as pelargoniums, are beautiful flowering plants that can easily be propagated from cuttings. This eco-friendly method is a great way to expand your geranium collection or share plants with friends.
Here are the tools and instructions you will need to successfully propagate geraniums in water:
Tools:
- Pruning shears or scissors
- A glass or jar filled with water
Instructions:
- Choose a healthy geranium plant with stems that are about 3-4 inches long. It’s better to take cuttings in early summer when the geraniums are actively growing.
- Using sharp pruning shears or scissors, snip off a few stems from the plant. Make sure to include the tips, as they often root better.
- Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem. This will prevent them from rotting in the water.
- Fill a glass or jar with one-half of water and place the cuttings in it. Make sure the bottom end of the stem is submerged in the water while the top end stays above the water.
- Choose a warm and bright location for the glass or jar. Geranium cuttings need a warm environment to root properly.
- Change the water in the container every few days to keep it fresh and prevent bacteria from forming.
- After a few weeks, you should start to see roots growing from the bottom of the stem. Once the roots are about an inch long, your cuttings are ready to be potted.
- Prepare a potting mix by mixing equal parts of potting soil and perlite. This will provide a well-draining medium for the geraniums.
- Fill a small container with the potting mix and make a hole in the center using your finger or a pencil.
- Carefully remove the rooted cuttings from the water and place them in the hole you created in the potting mix.
- Press the soil gently around the stem to secure it in place.
- Water the newly potted geranium plants and place them in a bright location, but away from direct sunlight.
- Continue to care for the geraniums by watering regularly and providing them with bright, indirect light.
That’s it! By following these instructions, you can successfully propagate geraniums in water and grow new plants from cuttings. Remember to choose healthy stems, provide a warm and bright location, and keep the water fresh to ensure the best chances of success.
References:
1. University of Illinois Extension: Taking Stem Cuttings
2. The Old Farmer’s Almanac: Geraniums (Pelargonium)
3. Michigan State University Extension: Propagating Plants by Cuttings
When Should I Take a Cutting of My Geranium
If you want to propagate your geraniums, it is best to take a cutting when they are actively growing. Geraniums typically start growing in the spring and continue to grow throughout the summer. So, the best time to take a cutting is during this period.
Before taking a cutting, make sure your geraniums are healthy and well-maintained. Look for strong, vigorous growth and vibrant foliage. This will ensure that the cutting has the best chance of rooting and growing into a new plant.
You can take a cutting from any part of the geranium plant, but the most common method is to take a stem cutting. Simply cut a 2-3 inch piece of stem just below a node, which is where the leaves grow. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving a few at the top.
Fill a small pot with a well-draining soil mix, such as a mix of potting soil and perlite. Moisten the soil with water, making sure it is evenly moist but not saturated. Make a hole in the soil with a pencil or finger, and then insert the cutting into the hole.
Some gardeners like to dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone before planting it to encourage faster rooting. This is optional but can be beneficial for faster and more successful rooting.
Place the potted cutting in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Water it regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. After a few weeks, you should start to see new growth emerging from the cutting. This means it has successfully rooted and is on its way to becoming a new plant.
Once the cutting has rooted and new growth has appeared, you can then pot it up into its own container or plant it directly into your garden beds. Either way, make sure the new plant has good drainage and is cared for like any other geranium plant.
Taking cuttings of your geraniums is a simple and eco-friendly way to propagate these beautiful plants. Not only will you have more geraniums to enjoy in your garden, but you’ll also save money by not having to buy new plants. So why not give it a try?
Photographer: Willow Zhang
What You’ll Need
In order to take geranium cuttings, you will need the following materials:
- 2-3 healthy geranium plants
- A sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Potting soil mix or vermiculite
- Plastic containers or pots
- A bright and cool area to start the cuttings
Geranium cuttings can be taken starting from June through August. It is best to choose healthy plants with good growth and sturdy stems. When taking the cuttings, use a clean pair of pruning shears or scissors to snip off 3-4 inch stems from the parent plant. Make sure to trim the stem just below a node, where new growth is likely to occur.
Once you have taken the cuttings, remove any flowers or buds and any lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone, if desired, and then insert it into a container filled with potting soil mix or vermiculite. Firmly press the soil around the stem to ensure good contact.
Place the containers in a bright area with indirect light. You can cover them with a plastic bag or a clear plastic lid to create a humid environment. Keep the soil slightly moist, but not waterlogged. After a few weeks, you should start to see roots forming. At this point, you can remove the plastic covering.
Caring for the rooted cuttings is similar to caring for mature geranium plants. They will need regular watering and should be placed in a cool area out of direct sunlight. After a few months, the cuttings will be ready to be transferred to individual pots or planted directly into the garden beds.
Geranium cuttings can be an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to propagate new plants. With proper care and attention, these cuttings can grow into beautiful and vigorous geraniums, providing years of joy to gardeners.
Learn how to take geranium cuttings with Zhang et al.’s instructions in PLOS ONE video vs Geranium by Malus domestica videographer.
