We are often asked on the Nursery around the best way to propagate Pelargoniums from cuttings and thought it was about time we shared the 'tricks of the trade!'. We have produced a guide to taking cuttings from you favourite Pelargoniums and hope you find the propogating as rewarding as we do here at Fibrex. All of our Pelargoniums are produced from our own cuttings so we like to think that we know a thing or two!
How to Take Cuttings from Pelargoniums: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pelargoniums are beloved for their bright blooms, aromatic foliage, and easy-care nature. One of the best ways to propagate pelargoniums and fill your garden with these vibrant plants is by taking cuttings. Cuttings allow you to clone your favorite varieties, ensuring you have more of the exact plants you love.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to successfully take pelargonium cuttings and grow them into healthy, flowering plants.
🌿 Why Propagate Pelargoniums by Cuttings?
Pelargoniums are some of the easiest plants to propagate via cuttings. They root quickly and vigorously, making them ideal for gardeners at all levels. Some key benefits of taking cuttings include:
- Cost-saving: Instead of buying new plants, you can expand your garden with the ones you already have.
- Cloning your favorites: Cuttings produce genetically identical plants, so you can ensure the new plants will have the same colour, size, and growth habits.
-Healthier plants: Over time, older pelargoniums can become woody and less productive. Starting new plants from cuttings rejuvenates your collection. Here at the Fibrex Nursery we cut from our Mother plants for 3 years before letting them 'retire'. They are certainly worked hard!
🌿 When is the Best Time to Take Cuttings?
The ideal time to take pelargonium cuttings is during late summer to early autumn when the plant is still growing but not flowering as vigorously. However, pelargoniums are forgiving, and you can take cuttings anytime during the growing season. Avoid taking cuttings in the middle of winter when the plant's energy levels are low.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these tools and materials:
- Healthy pelargonium plant for cuttings
- Sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors
- Small pots or seed trays with drainage holes
- Well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of compost, sand, and perlite
- Rooting hormone (optional, but helpful for faster rooting)
- Clear plastic bag or a propagator to maintain humidity
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Pelargonium Cuttings
1. Choose Healthy Stems
Select non-flowering stems that are healthy and free from pests or diseases. A good cutting is typically around 3 to 6 nodes long and comes from the new growth on the plant. Look for a firm, fleshy stem rather than woody or overly soft growth.
2. Make the Cut
Using sharp, sterilised shears or scissors, make a clean cut just below a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem). This is where new roots will develop. A clean cut reduces the risk of infection and ensures better root growth.
3. Remove Lower Leaves
Once you’ve taken your cutting, remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. This helps the cutting focus its energy on growing roots rather than supporting foliage. Leave a few leaves at the top to continue photosynthesis.
4. Allow the Cutting to Callus
Let the cutting dry out for a few hours before planting. This step is crucial for pelargoniums, as it prevents rotting. By allowing the cut end to callus over, you reduce the risk of moisture getting into the wound.
5. Prepare the Potting Mix
Fill your pots or seed trays with a well-draining potting mix. Pelargoniums hate waterlogged soil, so using a mix that encourages drainage is key to preventing root rot.
6. Plant the Cutting
Dip the callused end of your cutting in rooting hormone (optional) to encourage faster root growth. Make a hole in the potting mix with your finger or a pencil, then gently insert the cutting into the soil. Firm the soil around the cutting to hold it upright.
7. Water and Cover
Water the pot lightly to settle the soil around the cutting, but avoid soaking it. Place the pot in a bright, warm location out of direct sunlight. To maintain humidity, cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag or place it in a propagator. Ensure that the bag doesn’t touch the leaves by using sticks or supports if necessary.
8. Keep an Eye on the Cuttings
Check the cuttings regularly to make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Open the bag or propagator daily to allow some airflow and prevent fungal issues.
When to Expect Roots
Within 3-4 weeks, you should begin to see new root growth. You can test this by gently tugging on the cutting; if you feel resistance, it’s a good sign that roots have formed. Once your cuttings have established roots, you can transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Rotting: If your cuttings are rotting, it could be due to overwatering or failing to let the cut end callus properly. Always let the cutting dry before planting and ensure the potting mix is well-draining.
- No roots forming: If your cutting isn’t rooting, it may not be receiving enough warmth or light. Move it to a warmer spot, but keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Wilted cuttings: Cuttings may wilt if they lose too much moisture. Covering them with a plastic bag or propagator helps maintain humidity, but be sure to allow for airflow to prevent mold.
Final Thoughts
Propagating pelargoniums from cuttings is a fun and cost-effective way to expand your garden. With just a little patience and care, you’ll soon have an abundance of new pelargoniums to enjoy or share with friends. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, taking cuttings from pelargoniums is a rewarding project that will add vibrancy to your outdoor spaces for seasons to come.
🌿Let us know how you are getting on and share some of your own tips! Tag us on Facebook and Instagram #Fibrexnurseries 🌿