A hydrangea cutting offers a simple method of plant propagation, allowing a gardener to create a new, genetically identical shrub from a piece of the original plant. This cloning process, often called asexual reproduction, bypasses the need for seeds and ensures the offspring retains all the desirable traits of the parent. Learning this straightforward technique is a cost-effective way to expand a collection or share a favorite variety. This guide provides the necessary steps to successfully clone a hydrangea using the softwood cutting method.
Preparation: Timing and Supplies
The timing of the cutting is crucial for success, with the optimal period being late spring to early summer, typically from May to mid-July. This is when the plant is actively producing new growth that has matured just enough to be pliable but not yet woody, a stage known as “softwood.” A stem at this stage will snap easily when bent, indicating it is ready for propagation.
Before taking any cuttings, gather and sterilize the necessary supplies to prevent disease transmission. You will need sharp, clean pruners or a razor blade, a sterile growing medium such as a mix of peat moss and perlite for excellent drainage and aeration, and small planting containers or a propagation tray. A rooting hormone is highly recommended as it significantly stimulates root development and increases the success rate.
Taking and Planting Softwood Cuttings
The process begins by selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem from the current season’s growth, which is generally lighter in color than older wood. The ideal cutting length is typically 4 to 6 inches long, containing at least two to three sets of leaves. Using your sanitized tool, make a clean cut just below a leaf node.
The leaf node is the specific area where the highest concentration of growth hormones is located, making it the most likely spot for new roots to emerge. After making the cut, remove all but the top one or two sets of leaves to reduce moisture loss through transpiration. If the remaining leaves are large, cutting them in half crosswise can further conserve the cutting’s energy and moisture.
To prepare for planting, pour rooting hormone powder into a separate dish, avoiding dipping directly into the main container to prevent contamination. Dip the bottom half-inch of the prepared stem into the powder, ensuring the cut end and the nodes are thoroughly coated. Use a pencil or small stick to create a planting hole, approximately 2 to 3 inches deep, in the pre-moistened potting mix. Insert the cutting into this hole so that at least one bare node is buried, and then gently firm the mix around the stem to ensure good soil contact.
Nurturing the New Hydrangea Plant
After planting, maintain a high-humidity environment to prevent the cutting from drying out before roots can form. Placing a clear plastic bag or dome over the container creates a mini-greenhouse, trapping moisture and reducing water stress. The containers should be situated in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight can quickly overheat the enclosed space and damage the tender cutting.
Keep the growing medium consistently moist but never soggy, as excess water can lead to rot. Root development typically takes about four to six weeks, though the timeline can vary based on temperature and humidity levels. You can test for successful rooting by gently tugging on the cutting; a slight resistance indicates that new roots have anchored the stem to the soil.
Once the cutting is rooted and new leaf growth appears, the plastic cover can be removed. The young plant should then be gradually acclimated to normal outdoor conditions, a process called hardening off. After a few weeks of adjustment, when the roots are established and visible at the container’s drainage holes, the new hydrangea can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.