Cuttings are a common propagation method for growing plants. You can cut the stems, leaves, roots, buds, etc. of plants (called cuttings in gardening), insert them into soil, sand, or soak them in water, and then plant them after they take root to make them become independent new plants. In agricultural and forestry production, different plant cuttings have different requirements for conditions. Understanding and complying with their needs can achieve a higher survival rate.


1. Choose cuttings
The mother plant from which the branches are cut should have good quality, strong growth, and disease-free pests. On the same plant, choose the upper branches that were growing in the year, requiring short internodes, strong branches and leaves, and full bud tips. It is not advisable to use branches that are about to bloom and elongated branches. 

2. Select the substrate
This kind of substrate should have the characteristics of easy increase of soil temperature, water retention and ventilation.

3. Treatments of cuttings 
Treat the branches with chemicals before cutting, which can promote rooting. The branches are generally cut into a length of 8 cm to 12 cm, with 2 to 3 buds on the top. The cut in the lower part of the cutting should be 0.5 cm below the bud node. The cut should be smooth and cut off the lower leaves, leaving only 2 to 3 leaves at the top. The insertion depth is generally 3 cm. 

4. Create a rooting environment
The suitable temperature for rooting of most flowers is 20℃～25℃. The original tropical flowers require 25℃～30℃ or above. Generally, the soil temperature is 3℃～5℃ higher than the air temperature, which is beneficial for rooting. In addition, the relative humidity of the air is 80% to 90%, which is good for rooting. Cuttings require about 30% light and moderate moisture. The water demand of cuttings is slightly larger in the early stage and slightly less in the later period. 

5. Management after cuttings
Pour appropriate amount of water after cutting, cover it with plastic film, and place it in a relatively shaded place to prevent direct sunlight; however, increasing light at night will help cuttings survive. Open the plastic film 1 to 2 times a day (if there are small holes in the film, you don't need to open it) to supplement the required oxygen and prevent the occurrence of germs. It is necessary to spray water frequently and keep it moderately moist, but not too much water, otherwise it will be too wet, which will affect the healing and rooting of the cuttings; when the new roots of the cuttings grow to 2 cm to 3 cm, they can be transplanted to the pot in time.