40 years gardening - foolproof cuttings

If you think you have better way. I've probably tried it. This method is best if you want only a small number of cuttings ( as most gardeners do). The golden rule for all cuttings is to maintain high humidity, whilst not allowing rotting. If you don't have much patience, get your plants from the garden centre and don't read on. This for real gardeners.

There are several ways to take cuttings. The easiest ( though not easy) is from "tip cuttings".
1. Choose your cutting carefully. It must be vigorous new growth. Herbaceous plants work best. Anything woody has a low chance of success. Tree propagation requires a different method, though some very fast growing ones (mostly tropical) can be done this way. The ideal length is about 3 - 4 inches (7-10cms) and the best time is spring, though my method works any time of year, with care. Most cuttings require a cool but not cold temperature, though some from tropical plants can be grown warmer.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting , plus any flower buds that forming. The bast way to do this is just pinch them off with your fingers. If you take cuttings in the summer, it very important to remove all buds. Leave at most about 3-4 leaves.
3. As my rooting base I use small clay pellets, plus, if the cuttings are very small, a small amount of sand, which I soak in water for about an hour. This has a very low rotting co-efficient.
4. Take a small pot, one inch (2 cm) is more than enough,  and fill with the potting mixture, this will give you the right quantity. Tip out most into a smooth jar, leaving just a little in the bottom.
5. Put your cuttings into the pot then pour the remainder on top, keeping the cutting(s) upright. You can put two or three into the same pot if you like, if there is room.
6. Create a mini-greenhouse. I use transparent plastic containers just taller than the plants will be after about a month's growth. Don't use plastic bags, which restrict air circulation too mush = rot.
7. Spray the walls of the container lightly with water.
8. Places the pots inside the "mini-greenhouse" in a position with bright light but no direct sun, which could increase the inside temperature dangerously high. Make sure the surface is level and there are no gaps to let air in. There are several reasons for this. a. you want to maintain humidity at close to 100%. b. You do not want to allow fungal spores to enter from outside. There will already be some....c. You can tell if the "greenhouse" is at or near 100% humidity, by the appearance of condensation on the walls.
9. After about a 3 or 4 days remove the greenhouse at night and replace in the morning.
10. After about a week. remove the greenhouse for a few hours during the day, then replace. If any plants show sign of wilting replace the greenhouse immediately.
11. As soon as plants show signs of new growth, remove them from the greenhouse, but replace at once if there is any sign of wilting. Pot them into an a normal size garden pot, separating any that have grown together, place in a semi-shady position then plant out when you think they ready.

Most cuttings will not flower in their first year. It is a good idea not to let them, by pinching out flowering growth or any tall top growth, depending on the plant.
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Good luck. 

If you have any queries pleas don't hesitate to mail: ifraser57@ hotmail.com. My speciality is tropical plants.