Plant Propagation

Plant Propagation

The multiplication of plants, either sexually (by seed) or asexually (without seed).

Sexual Propagation

Reproduction using seeds; involves genetic variation.

Asexual Propagation

Reproduction using cuttings, grafting, layering, or tissue culture; produces genetically identical clones.

Things to Know Before Propagation

Know the plant’s name, its growth and reproduction habits, and the best propagation method.

Ferns

Propagated by division or spore culture

Conifers

Propagated by seeds or cuttings.

Angiosperms

Monocots: propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division.
Dicots: propagated by grafting, budding, seeds, or cuttings.

Seed Viability

How long seeds remain alive and capable of germination.

Certified Seed

Officially tested to ensure quality and authenticity.

Pure Seed

Seed that is free of weeds or other species

Percent Germination

The percentage of seeds that successfully sprout.

Reasons for Asexual Propagation

– Guarantees the same genotype (clone).
– Establishes plants faster.
– Combines desirable traits.
– Preserves hybrids or rare plants.

Leaf Cutting

Uses a single leaf to attempt to grow roots and form a new plant.

Root Cutting

Taken in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Stem Cutting

Uses a stem that has at least one bud; can be softwood, semi-hardwood, hardwood, conifer, or herbaceous.

Leaf-Bud Cutting

Contains a leaf, a bud, and a short piece of stem.

Softwood Cutting

New growth from the current growing season.

Semi-Hardwood Cutting

Mature growth taken in mid-summer.

Hardwood Cutting

Taken from dormant wood before new growth emerges.

Conifer Cutting

Taken in early winter.

Herbaceous Cutting

New growth taken from potted or soft plants.

Polarity

Knowing which end of a cutting is the top and which is the bottom to ensure correct planting orientation.

Rooting Hormone

Substance that stimulates root formation and increases success rate of cuttings.

Benefits of Rooting Hormone

Faster rooting, uniform root growth, more successful cuttings, and higher percentage of take.

Examples of Rooting Hormones

Natural: Willow Water.
– Synthetic: IAA (Indoleacetic Acid), IBA (Indolebutyric Acid), NAA (Naphthalenacetic Acid).

Grafting

Attaching the scion (stem/branch) of one plant to the stock (root system) of another compatible plant.

Budding

Inserting a single bud from one plant into another’s stock.

Cambium Layer

The thin layer of tissue between bark and wood that must align for successful grafting.

Scion

The top portion (stem or bud) of the grafted plant.

Stock or Rootstock

The root system of the plant used for grafting.

Interstock

A third piece of stem used when scion and stock are not directly compatible.

Whip or Splice Graft

Used on young trees; scion and stock are cut diagonally and joined together.

Cleft or Wedge Graft

Multiple grafts made on one stock; often used for fruit trees.

Approach Graft

Two entire plants are joined at one spot while both remain rooted.

Bridge Graft

Repairs bark damage or injuries to a tree.

Division

Cutting apart a plant into sections that can each form new plants (e.g., hostas)

Separation

Pulling apart naturally detachable parts such as bulbs or corms.

Layering

Inducing roots on a stem while it remains attached to the parent plant.

Simple Layering

Produces one new plant per stem.

Tip Layering

Occurs naturally, such as in blackberries.

Trench Layering

Produces several new plants per stem.

Air Layering

Used for stems that cannot bend; the stem is wounded, wrapped in moist moss, and covered until roots form.

Tissue Culture (Micropropagation)

Using single cells or small plant tissue under sterile lab conditions to produce new plants.

Parenchyma Cells

Plant cells capable of regenerating into whole new plants; used in tissue culture.

Examples of Tissue Culture

Meristem culture and spore culture.

Plant Patent Law

Protects asexually propagated plants.

Plant Protection Act

Protects sexually propagated plants.

Propagation Media

Materials used for growing new plants, chosen based on plant type and propagation method.

Water (as medium)

Simple and effective for easy-rooting plants, but can cause rot if left too long.

Soil (as medium)

Used for hardwood and root cuttings.

Sand (as medium)

Used for propagating conifers

Vermiculite or Peat Moss

Retains water for soft, moisture-loving plants.

Perlite

Provides aeration and drainage for hard-to-root cuttings.