Propagating in water is a
no-fuss, low-maintenance
way to grow more plants
Stem cuttings
Many indoor and perennial plants can
be propagated with stem cuttings.
To do this, cut a non-flowering stem
at the top on a 45 degree angle,
TOP PICKS
above the node. Cutting should
rosemary, hydrangea,
be a minimum of 15cm long with
coleus, buxus, camellia,
geranium and most
at least a few nodes, removing
indoor plants including
all but a few of the upper leaves.
devil’s ivy, philodendron
On the bottom, cut straight, just
and monstera
below the node. “Aid growth by
dipping the base of the cutting in
rooting hormone,” suggests Rachel.
“Or dip cuttings into active mānuka
honey with a UMF of 15.” Plant about
a third of each cutting into a gritty
mix of perlite, vermiculite or sand
and leave in a humid spot out of
direct sunlight. “You can increase
the humidity by placing the pot in
a plastic bag,” says Rachel. “Don’t
forget to water your cuttings, too.”
If propagating indoors or during
cooler months, Bianca advises using a
heat pad that helps mimic spring soil
temperatures, and encourages roots
and shoots to develop faster. Stem
cuttings can also be propagated in
water. “Change the water weekly, and
when enough roots form, transplant
into individual pots,” says Bianca.
SHOP
1
4
2
5
7
3
6
8
9
11
10
12
1 Mr Fothergill’s wooden dibber stick, $6.98, I/N: 0232205. 2 Holman ‘WX1’ tap timer and wi-fi hub, $144.56, I/N: 0246021. 3 Trojan ‘D Handle’ fibreglass
steel garden fork, $37.28, I/N: 3360924. 4 Cyclone ‘Cottage’ spade, $49, I/N: 3369598. 5 Saxon mini greenhouse with seed tray, $10.54, I/N: 2960182.
6 Nylex 15m soaker hose, $34.93, I/N: 0012423. 7 Triple plant propagation station, $23.98, I/N: 0269227. 8 Scape 10L plastic watering can in Dark
Green, $16.90, I/N: 0238681. 9 Saxon 2 piece bypass pruning set, $9.98, I/N: 0103876. 10 Burnet’s rooting hormone dip, $9.90/50g, I/N: 0339969.
11 Scotts Osmocote seed raising & cutting mix, $12.98/25L, I/N: 8912735. 12 Egmont propagation heat pad, $52.98, I/N: 0281408. Some products are
not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
bunnings |
bunningsnz | bunnings.co.nz 49
