Cutting (plant)
A plant cutting is a piece of a plant that is used in horticulture for vegetative (asexual) propagation. A piece of the stem or root of the source plant is placed in a suitable medium such as moist soil. If the conditions are suitable, the plant piece will begin to grow as a new plant independent of the parent, a process known as striking. A stem cutting produces new roots, and a root cutting produces new stems. Some plants can be grown from leaf pieces, called leaf cuttings, which produce both stems and roots. The scions used in grafting are also called cuttings.[1]
Propagating plants from cuttings is an ancient form of
Evolutionary advantage: Succulents
Cuttings are used as a method of asexual reproduction in succulent horticulture, commonly referred to as vegetative reproduction. A cutting can also be referred to as a propagule. Succulents have evolved with the ability to use adventitious root formation in reproduction to increase fitness in stressful environments. Succulents grow in shallow soils, rocky soils, and desert soils.[5] Seedlings from sexual reproduction have a low survival rate; however, plantlets from the excised stem cuttings and leaf cuttings, broken off in the natural environment, are more successful.[5]
Cuttings have both water and carbon stored and available, which are resources needed for plant establishment. The detached part of the plant remains physiologically active, allowing mitotic activity and new root structures to form for water and nutrient uptake.[5] Asexual reproduction of plants is also evolutionarily advantageous as it allows plantlets to be better suited to their environment through retention of epigenetic memory, heritable patterns of phenotypic differences that are not due to changes in DNA but rather histone modification and DNA methylation.[6] Epigenetic memory is heritable through mitosis, and thus advantageous stress response priming is retained in plantlets from excised stem.[6]
Physiology
Adventitious root formation refers to roots that form from any structure of a plant that is not a root; these roots can form as part of normal development or due to a stress response.[7] Adventitious root formation from the excised stem cutting is a wound response.
At a molecular level when a cutting is first excised at the stem there is an immediate increase in jasmonic acid, known to be necessary for adventitious root formation.[8] When the cutting is excised from the original root system the root inhibiting hormones, cytokinin and strigolactone, which are made in the root and transported to the stem, decrease in concentration.[7] Polyphenol degradation decreases, increasing auxin concentration. The increased auxin concentration increases nitric oxide concentration which initiates root formation through a MAPK signal cascade and a cGMP-dependent pathway that both regulate mitotic division and are both necessary for the initiation of adventitious root formation.[9] The root primordia form from cambial cells in the stem.[7] In propagation of detached succulent leaves and leaf cuttings, the root primordia typically emerges from the basal callous tissue after the leaf primordia emerges.[5]
It was known as early as 1935 that when indolyl-3-acetic acid (IAA), also known as auxin, is applied to the stem of root cuttings, there is an increase in the average number of adventitious roots compared to cuttings that are not treated. Researchers also applied this compound to stems without leaves that normally would not have any root formation and found that auxin induced root formation, thus determining auxin is necessary for root formation.[10] Identification of this hormone has been important to industries that rely on vegetative propagation,[7] as it is sometimes applied to fresh cuttings to stimulate root growth.
Technique
Some plants form roots much more easily than others. Stem cuttings from woody plants are treated differently, depending on the maturity of the wood:
- Softwood cuttings come from stems that are rapidly expanding, with young leaves. In many species, such cuttings form roots relatively easily.[11][12]
- Semi-hardwood cuttings come from stems that have completed elongation growth and have mature leaves.
- Hardwood cuttings come from fully matured stems, and are often propagated while dormant.
Most plant cuttings are stem pieces, and have no root system of their own, and are therefore likely to die from
In
Besides placing the cuttings directly into soil, it is also possible to root cuttings in water. The water needs to be replaced often, to prevent bacteria buildup and the possibility of root rot. It also requires enough oxygen in the water for the same reason. A moist atmosphere (use of plastic sheeting) is hence not needed with this technique.[16][17]
The environment for softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings is generally kept
A
Types
Many vegetative parts of a plant can be used. The most common methods are:
- Stem cuttings, in which a piece of stem is part buried in the soil, including at least one leaf node. The cutting is able to produce new roots, usually at the node.
- Root cuttings, in which a section of root is buried just below the soil surface, and produces new shoots.[27]
- Scion cuttings are used in grafting.
- succulents.
Although some species, such as willow, blackberry and pelargoniums can be grown simply by placing a cutting into moist ground, the majority of species require more attention. Most species require humid, warm, partially shaded conditions to strike, thus requiring the approach above to be followed. Particularly difficult species may need cool air above and warm soil. In addition, with many more difficult cuttings, one should use the type of cutting that has the most chance of success with that particular plant species.[28]
Improving results
There are ways of improving the growth of stem cutting propagations. Intensifying light allows cuttings to root and sprout faster, though the heat thus generated could cause the propagation material distress.[29] Azalea cuttings can be mildly heated in water to disinfect it from the fungus pathogen Rhizoctonia, and this could potentially be used for other plants.[30]
Soil
Depending on the type of cutting (i.e. tree, shrub, succulent, cacti) different potting soil mixes can be used. Many commercial companies sell medium specifically for growing cuttings.
Air and soil humidity
Although several options can be used here, usually plastic is used to cover the softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings. The soil below the trays (to increase air moisture) and the soil in the trays themselves is kept moist but not waterlogged (=completely saturated). The trays the cuttings sit in are best placed on stones to prevent capillary action (as this can keep the soil inside the trays too wet). Soil in the trays should be kept at 85 to 95% saturation.[31] Automated (overhead) misting systems, boom systems or fog systems[32] can be used in greenhouses.
A typical misting frequency during sticking and callusing includes misting for 5–8 seconds every 5–10 minutes over a 24-hour period. After 3 to 4 days, misting is reduced to 3–5 seconds every 10–20 minutes during the day and less frequently at night. When roots become visible (stage 3) misting can be reduced, and by stage 4 (toning), little to no misting should be done (by day 10 to 14 for most species
Air and soil temperature
Air temperature for softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings is optimal at around 70 °F[35][36][37][38] (21.1 °C) but temperatures as low as 55 °F (12.7 °C) are acceptable. Heating the air above 75 °F (23.8 °C) stimulates the growth of pathogens.[35] Ventilating (manually or through automatic window openers) the greenhouse or cold frame can lower the air temperature. Automated thermostat systems can also be used in greenhouses to keep the heat at a specific temperature. Bottom heating (soil) tends to be ideal for root initiation since growing media temperature is best maintained at 20-22 °C.[31]
Sunlight
Whereas cuttings need to be kept warm and some amount of light needs to be provided, it needs to be kept out of direct sunlight.[39] Some ways to accomplish this include using white wash, semi-white plastic, retractible shade curtains (which can be deployed if the sun temporarily pierces through), ... Optimum light levels are around 120 to 200 μmol/m2s at the first stage (sticking[32]). Once callus has been formed (stage 2: callusing[32]) and roots start to form and take up water (stage 3: root development phase), light intensity levels can be gradually increased (to 200 to 800 μmol/m2s).[40][41] Most propagators find that 5 to 10 moles per day (i.e. observed using a Daily Light Integral sensor) will result in a consistent rooting and growth[31]
Plant species that allow propagation from cuttings
Plants which can be propagated from stem, leaf and/or tip cuttings include:[42][failed verification – see discussion]
- African violet– tip or leaf cutting
- Aglaonema – tip cuttings
- Aeonium – stem cuttings
- Anredera – stem and tip cuttings
- Aizoaceae – stem and tip cuttings
- Alternanthera – stem cuttings
- Aucuba – stem cuttings
- Azalea – stem cuttings
- Baby's tears – stem cuttings
- Begonia – tip, leaf and stem cuttings
- Blackberries – stem cuttings
- Brugmansia – stem cuttings
- Bryophyllum – leaf or cuttings
- Cactus – tip cuttings
- Calathea – tip cuttings
- Callisia – stem cuttings
- Cannabis – stem and tip cuttings
- Cestrum – stem cuttings
- Christmas cactus– tip cuttings
- Citrus – tip cuttings
- Cochliasanthus – stem cuttings
- Coleus – tip cuttings
- Cordyline – tip or stem cuttings
- Cotyledon – stem or leaf cuttings
- Crepe myrtle– stem cuttings
- Curio – stem or leaf cuttings
- Common purslane – stem cuttings
- Croton – tip cuttings
- Crassula – stem or leaf cuttings
- Dieffenbachia – tip cuttings
- Dracaena – stem cuttings
- Dudleya – leaf or stem cuttings
- Delairea – stem cuttings
- Echeveria – leaf cuttings
- Euphorbia – leaf or steam cuttings
- Ficus – tip or stem cuttings
- Forsythia – stem cuttings
- Geranium – tip cuttings
- Golden pothos – tip or stem cuttings
- Gibasis – stem cuttings
- Grape ivy – tip cuttings or stem cuttings
- Graptopetalum – leaf or stem cuttings
- Haworthia – leaf or stem cuttings
- Hedera – stem cuttings
- Hibiscus – stem cuttings
- Hoya – tip cuttings
- Hops – stem cuttings
- Impatiens – tip cuttings
- Ipomoea – stem cuttings
- Jasmine – stem cutting
- Kalanchoe – leaf or stem cuttings
- Kleinia – stem cutting
- Kumquat – stem cutting
- Lemon balm – stem cuttings
- Maranta – tip cuttings
- Marjoram – stem cuttings
- Manioc(cassava) – stem cuttings
- Monstera – tip cuttings
- Moringa - Stem cuttings
- Mint – stem cuttings
- Morus – stem cuttings
- Oleander– stem cuttings
- Oregano – stem cuttings
- Othonna capensis– stem cuttings
- Parthenocissus – stem cuttings
- Parsley – stem cuttings
- Pelargonium – tip cuttings
- Peperomia – tip or leaf cuttings
- Philodendron – tip and stem cuttings
- Pilea cadierei – tip cuttings
- Pineapple – stem cuttings
- Plectranthus – stem cuttings
- Podocarpus – tip cuttings
- Poinsettia – stem cuttings
- Portulacaria – stem cuttings
- Plum – stem cuttings
- Poplar – stem cuttings
- Pseudogynoxys – stem or tip cuttings
- Red-hot cat tail – stem cuttings
- Resurrection plant – tip cuttings
- Rosemary – stem cuttings
- Sage – stem cuttings
- Sansevieria – leaf cuttings
- Sedum – leaf cuttings
- Schefflera – stem or stem cuttings
- Senecio angulatus – stem cuttings
- Senecio crassissimus – stem or tip cuttings
- Senecio tamoides – stem or tip cuttings
- Shrimp plant – tip cuttings
- Sugar cane– stem cuttings
- Syngonium – stem cuttings
- String of hearts – stem cuttings
- Syringa – stem cuttings
- Tea – stem cuttings
- Tecoma – stem cuttings
- Thyme – stem cuttings
- Thunbergia – stem cuttings
- Tetradenia riparia – stem cuttings
- Tradescantia – stem cuttings
- Vanilla – stem cuttings
- Verbena – stem cuttings
- Wedelia – stem or tip cuttings
- Willow – stem cutting
- Vitis – stem cuttings, grafting, aerial layering
- Yucca – stem cuttings
To note, some plants listed above, such as Coleus, Maranta, Nerium and Golden Pothos, among others, may require water for them to root before they can be transplanted to soil.
In popular culture
The poet Theodore Roethke wrote about plant cuttings and root growth behavior in his poems "Cuttings" and "Cuttings (Later)" found in his book The Lost Son: And Other Poems.[43]
See also
References
- ^ Propagation by Cuttings, Layering and Division Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture; and Elizabeth Ball, Program Support Technician; Virginia Tech
- S2CID 11637652.
- ^ Reproduction and cloning BBC 2014
- JSTOR 43420451.
- ^ a b c d Gravatt (December 2004). "Description of Asexual Reproduction in a Texas succulent Sedum Wright 2 (Crassulaceae)". SIDA, Contributions to Botany. 21 (2): 943–950.
- ^ PMID 26989783.
- ^ PMID 26697895.
- PMID 25540438.
- PMID 15122018.
- PMID 16653316.
- ^ "Cuttings: softwood". rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
- ^ "How to take softwood cuttings". gardenersworld.com. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
- ^ a b Buchan, Ursula (3 April 2010). "How to take plant cuttings". The Telegraph. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
- ^ "Learn Everything You Need to Know About Plant Nodes". The Spruce.
- ^ "Propagation by Cuttings, Layering and Division". www.pubs.ext.vt.edu.
- ^ DeBaggio, Thomas. "Rooting Cuttings in Water". Mother Earth Living.
- ^ "Rooting Cuttings in Water". www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.
- ^ "How to grow plants using cuttings". readersdigest.co.uk. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
- ^ "How to make your own rooting hormone". Pioneerthinking.com. 2005-11-02. Archived from the original on 2010-02-26. Retrieved 2010-02-21.
- .
- .
- doi:10.4141/sa-1939-0034 (inactive 31 January 2024).)
{{cite journal}}
: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of January 2024 (link - ^ Tilley, Nikki. "Honey As A Root Hormone: How To Root Cuttings With Honey". gardeningknowhow.com. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
- ISBN 978-1-4020-5183-8.
- ^ Wong, James (31 January 2016). "Gardens: drug therapy for plants". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
- ^ "HO-37: New Plants from Cuttings". purdue.edu.
- ^ Carroll, Jackie. "What Are Root Cuttings: Information On Taking Cuttings From Root Growth". gardeningknowhow.com. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
- ^ "Certain plant species having more success with certain types of cuttings". Healthrecipes.com. Archived from the original on 2002-12-07. Retrieved 2010-02-21.
- ^ Wallheimer, Brian (January 23, 2012). "Study shines light on ways to cut costs for greenhouse growers". Lopez and Currey. Purdue University. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
- ^ Yao, Stephanie (December 24, 2009). "Hot Water Treatment Eliminates Rhizoctonia from Azalea Cuttings". USDA Agricultural Research Service. Physorg. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
- ^ a b c d "Perfecting Perennial Propagation". www.growertalks.com.
- ^ a b c d "Moisture management during vegetative cutting propagation". MSU Extension.
- ^ "Getting The Most Out Of Cuttings". Greenhouse Product News.
- ^ "Cuttings: softwood". www.rhs.org.uk.
- ^ a b "Does Temperature Affect Rooting of Cuttings?". Home Guides | SF Gate.
- ^ "Tips on Successful Young Plant Propagation | PRO-MIX Greenhouse Growing". www.pthorticulture.com.
- .
- ^ "Managing temperature during propagation" (PDF).
- ^ "How to Propagate Plants". Planet Natural. Dec 8, 2012.
- ^ "Managing Light During Propagation". Greenhouse Product News.
- ^ "Managing Light to Improve Rooting of Cuttings". Greenhouse Product News.
- ^ "Propagating Foliage & Flowering Plants - Ornamental Production Ornamental Production". aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu.
- ^ Roethke, Theodore (1948). The Lost Son: And Other Poems.
External links
- Media related to cuttings at Wikimedia Commons
- Learning materials related to plant propagation at Wikiversity