Take a short cut to propagating success

There’s something very satisfying and slightly addictive about propagating plants from cuttings. With just a few snips of the secateurs and a handful of pots, one plant potentially becomes many. A few weeks later, you’ll see the beginning of new growth, and will be hooked!

Choosing material and preparing cuttings

Propagating success starts with healthy parent plants. Always select strong, disease-free growth. Take semi-hardwood cuttings early in the morning when the leaves and stems are fully hydrated. Choose the top 10cm of firm current-season growth. Remove the lower leaves and trim any large remaining leaves in half to reduce moisture loss.

With any cutting, make the bottom cut just below a node (where leaves or buds emerge) – this is where roots are most likely to form. If you’re not ready to plant, wrap cuttings in damp newspaper, seal them in a plastic bag and store in the fridge.

For hardwood cuttings, choose pencil-thick stems from the previous season’s growth. Cut pieces 15–20cm long. Make the top cut just above a node on an angle so it’s easy to tell the difference between the top and bottom.

Pots and potting media

Small to medium pots 10–15cm wide are ideal. Avoid large containers, as excess wet mix around the stem encourages rot. Recycled pots are fine provided they’re clean and have drainage holes.

If you do decide to use old nursery pots there is a risk your cuttings will fail if the containers are dirty and carrying disease. Always clean them with a brush and warm soapy water (dishwashing liquid is also fine), before rinsing with clean water. It’s also a good idea to avoid reusing old potting mix, especially if you have been growing plants prone to root problems, like tomatoes, so always use fresh mix where possible.

Free-draining media is critical. Cuttings fail more often from excess moisture (causing rot) than dryness. A premium all-purpose potting mix usually works well. Combine it 50/50 with coarse washed river sand or perlite (or a blend of both) to improve drainage.

The waiting game

Semi-hardwood cuttings usually root within 4–10 weeks. Hardwood cuttings may take longer as they wait for the soil to warm in spring, although planting later in the winter can shorten that delay. Check on the mix regularly and mist lightly if necessary to keep it just moist, never waterlogged.

Roots take time so be patient. Avoid the temptation to tug at stems to check for roots. Instead, look for signs of success, such as new leaf growth or swelling buds

You can read Phil Dudman’s full article with tips to help with propagating success in our Early Winter 2026 issue (OG 165). You’ll find it in newsagents and selected supermarkets. Or you can subscribe here to get an issue delivered to your door!