Cloning Plants

But if the color or scent of an existing plant is what you want to duplicate, cloning plants gives you the exact characteristics you're looking for.

The process of cloning in referred to as asexual or vegetative propagation, which gives us identical characteristics.

Planting seeds is sexual propagation, and we can get a selection of many characteristics that the seed carries.

When you consider that not all seeds germinate, and many more don't grow successfully, your chances of increasing the number of plants from seeds diminishes.

Clone or Start Seeds?

It doesn't really matter which plants you choose to clone. Of course, some will be more successful than others. Hard stem, soft stem, flower, vegetable, or houseplant can all be cloned.

The most popular plants to clone are those that are hard to find. Heirloom varieties that have been handed down through generations or hybrids that may no longer be available on the market are favorite choices.

Seeds may give you more variety, but many seeds may not germinate. Plus you have to wait much longer for the plant to reach maturity.

If you have a particularly successful plant, whether it's a color or fragrance you like, disease resistance or hardiness in your region, try a few clones.

If the plants prove to be difficult to grow, go and buy a new plant or start with some fresh seeds. You don't have to choose any one method over the others.

Although there are some very complex and scientific methods of cloning, with specialized tools and procedures that are used by horticulturists, we can clone our favorite garden and house plants with just a few simple steps.

What you Need for Cloning Plants

Buy a good rooting hormone; there are several on the market: liquid solutions, gels and powders.

These products contain all the nutrients the new plant needs to get started. Liquids or gels are generally better, as they adhere better to the stem.

To use powders, wet the stem first and be sure the entire end is coated. Powders are less effective, as they may not cover the whole area and they can be brushed away in the potting process.

You'll also need sterile shears or scissors, a pencil, and a container of clean planting mix.

Steps for Cloning Plants

Start with a healthy plant with the characteristics you want. It should be at least two to three months old.

For houseplants, leach the soil every day for about a week by pouring clean water through the pot until it drains out.

Select branches that are older, at the bottom of the plant, and make an angled cut to expose as much surface as possible.

Cut a 6 to 8 inch length. Remove the lower leaves from this cutting, leaving at least 2 sets of leaves intact. Put stem in fresh water and let sit overnight, out of the light.

Apply the rooting hormone to the stem according to package directions. Make up a small amount of diluted solution of the hormone as well, for watering.

Next, prepare your container of potting mix. Use a pencil to create holes in the soil, wider than the plant stems.

Don't go through to the bottom of the plant; you want to leave room at the bottom for the roots to grow down. Place the stems and pack the soil gently around them. Be sure no leaves are touching the soil.

Water the plant gently with hormone solution, just moistening the soil. As the plant grows, keep soil moist and mist the leaves a few times a day. Don't let leaves dry out.

Keep the new plants in filtered light for 4 or 5 days, and then move to sunlight to acclimate. Maintain temperature at 70 and 80 degrees for a week. If leaves rot, remove them.

In about a month, your cloned plants should be ready to be potted or planted. Gently remove from the pot and check for fine roots. If they're ready, transplant them to their new location.

The process of cloning plants is not complicated, but it does require some patience. The amazing thing is, in about another month, these new plants will be ready to start the cloning process all over again, providing you with an endless supply of your favorite plants.

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