Floral Careers Plant Propagation

  Meristematic: these are composed of actively dividing cells and are responsible for plant growth.

◦ ◦ apical meristems lateral meristems (vascular cambium) Permanent: these are composed of cells that are no longer dividing. They form the structure of the plant.

The Simplified Plant

    Stem Cuttings Leaf-Bud Cuttings Stem Sections Leaf Cuttings

  Section of stem about 4-6 inches long and having at least 2 nodes.

The basal end of the cutting is inserted into a rooting medium.

    At the nodes.

At the cut end of the stem.

Between the nodes.

All 3 involve meristematic tissues.

between the nodes cut end nodes

 Consists of a leaf blade, petiole, and a portion of the stem containing a bud.

     Make and plant the cuttings in such a way that all 3 rooting possibilities exist.

Use a rooting hormone.

Provide bottom heat.

Maintain moisture and humidity.

Avoid direct sunlight.

 ◦ ◦ A good medium should be well-drained, yet have some moisture retaining capabilities: 2 parts coarse perlite 1 part sphagnum peat moss

coarse perlite 2 sphagnum peat moss 1

propagation flat with clear dome electric propagation mats for bottom heat rooting powder

 ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ House plants that can be propagated using this method include: Hawaiian Ti Plant Dracaena Dumbcane Chinese Evergreen

Stem sections can be positioned vertically or horizontally

  A select group of house plants can be propagated using leaf cuttings.

◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Examples include: Snake Plant Begonia African violet Peperomia

An assortment of leaf cuttings

Begonia leaf cutting; notice the new shoot in the center of the picture

Rooted Begonia leaf cuttings ready to transplant

Peperomia leaf cutting with new shoot

Rooted Peperomia leaf cutting ready to transplant