| When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem | | | | new plants will have plenty of light and not beshaded |
| cutting, thecutting will be more likely to form roots | | | | by the leaf. |
| and create a newplant if a rooting hormone is used. | | | | Stem cuttings: These are treated just like leaf |
| While commercial rooting hormone can be used there | | | | cuttingsexcept you cut off a stem with several |
| areorganic homemade versions that work as well. | | | | leaves instead ofjust one leaf. Remove the bottom |
| To make rooting hormone soak the yellow-tipped | | | | leaves, leaving a few atthe top. Proceed as with the |
| shoots of aweeping willow tree in water. A tea made | | | | leaf cutting. |
| from the bark of awillow tree is also effective. When | | | | In both instances cover the pot with a plastic bag |
| using the shoots orbark soak them for 24 hours prior | | | | orinverted glass jar. This will keep moisture |
| to using. | | | | fromevaporating and keep the cutting from wilting. |
| Some people have found that using honey makes an | | | | Keep in awarm location with diffused light but out of |
| effectiverooting hormone as well. | | | | directsunlight. When there is indications of growth |
| Leaf cuttings: Any plant with leaves such as African | | | | after about 3to 6 weeks, transplant the new |
| Violet, Geranium etc. can be propagated with leaf | | | | emerging plant into a new potof potting soil. Continue |
| cuttings. | | | | to keep a humid environment forabout 2 more |
| Using a sharp knife cut off a healthy leaf at the | | | | weeks until active growth begins. |
| pointwhere it joins the stem. Insert the cut part, | | | | More organic gardening tips and supplies can be found |
| called apetiole, into the rooting hormone. Place the | | | | at: |
| end into asmall container of light potting soil in which | | | | REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission |
| you have madea small hole with a pencil. Making a | | | | to publishthis article free of charge in your e-zine, |
| hole prior to plantingassures that the rooting hormone | | | | newsletter,ebook, print publication or on your website |
| will not be brushed off thecutting when you plant it. | | | | ONLY if itremains unchanged and you include the |
| Perlite, Vermiculite, and/orwater-soaked Sphagnum | | | | copyright and authorinformation (Resource Box) at |
| moss can be added to potting soil tomake the soil | | | | the end. You may not usethis article in any unsolicited |
| light. Make sure the leaf is leaning slightlyso that the | | | | commercial email (spam). |