Different Methods of Propagation

Asexual plant reproduction is when a single parent creates new individuals. This is done by all parts of a plant with stems the most common. Plants can also reproduce asexually intentionally by propagation.

Sexual reproduction in plants is when the male and female parts of a flower combine to create a new plant. The pollen from the male stamen has to transfer to the female part called the carpel. Some flowers have both male and female parts, while others have to be pollinated by wind or animals. Other plants without flowers reproduce sexually by other means.

Cuttings

To propagate plants with cuttings, collect shoots below a node of leaf bud. Collect shoots around 8-10cm long. Use sharp secateurs to prevent tissue tearing, and remove all leaves from the lower half of the cuttings. The cuttings can be dip in plant hormone powder or liquid. The cuttings should be planted into the pot or containers. Press the soil around the cuttings to hold it in place. Water the cuttings but don't over water. A humid environment is required to prevent the cuttings from losing moisture, so using a plastic bag, or glass jar cover or a propagation box can be used. Plants able to be propagated by this method include roses and hibiscus.

Layering (simple)

There are many different types of layering. Simple layering involves bending the branch to ground and attempting to root it there. Split the stem below a node with a sharp knife, and insert a toothpick and add hormones. Bend it towards the ground and make sure it is long enough with leaves on the tip. Loosen the soil where the plant reaches the ground. The plant may be fastened to the ground with a hairpin or a v-shaped stick. Water is the only requirement needed to grow the new roots. Specified conditions are not needed. The plants then can be transplanted by cutting the branch as close to the new plant as possible. Plants able to be propagated by this method include Forsythia, and Spirea.

Budding (T-budding)

Budding is the process of using a single bud to create a new plant. Use a budding knife to create a T-shaped cut in the stock. The top cut should be in a single motion, then twisting the knife back along the cut a cut the vertical slit. The bud to be inserted is often a shield of bark with the bud on it. Draw the knife upwards below the bark above the bud, then use a horizontal cut to remove the shield. Then insert the shield in the T-cut. Bind the bud to the stock with budding rubber, to prevent drying, do not cover the bud. The conditions of T-budding are when a plant's bark easily lifts and does not tear. The conditions vary from species and variety. Plants able to be propagated in this way include apples and pears.

Grafting (Splice Graft)(couldn't find a splice graft picture)

There are numerous types of grafting. Splice Grafting requires, the scion and the rootstock of the same diameter, and in used for plants which join together easily. Cut the Woodstock and scion with a diagonal cut. Attach the scion to the Woodstock, and then securely fasten the two together with grafting twine or strip. Seal the gap with grafting wax or paint. Water sparingly until the rootstock and scion “knit” together, over watering may cause the Woodstock to drown the scion with sap. Grafting should be done in winter or when the plants aren't growing. Plants that can be propagated in this way include Washington navel Oranges and Lemons.

Bulb ( Scooping )

There are many different ways of bulb propagation.

Scooping involves removing the basal plate of the bulb. This is to remove the shoot and flower in the middle of the bulb. Bulblets will then form from the leaf bases now exposed. This bulb, should now be dipped in fungicide, and put in a warm (20 degrees) dark place for about 2 weeks, then as the bulb dries, form wound tissue on the cut area. The temperature should be up to 30 degrees as the scales begin to swell. The bulblets should be planted after the new roots form. Plants that can be propagated by this method include onions and garlic.

Corms

There are few ways corms can grow listed below. Corms grow by forming a new corm above the old corm. Miniature corms form between the old and new one called cormels. These grow once a season then creates a new corms and the base of the stem. This process will take 2 years for the corm to reach flowering size. You can also divide the corm into pieces each having a bud. Plants able to be propagated by this method include Gladiolus and Crocus.

Runners

Runners grow along the surface, with long spaces between nodes. The runners grow along leaving the nodes to produce roots and top growth, which can be used for transplanting. Encouraging runners to grow can be achieved by pinning to the ground or a pot of mix near the original plant with a U-shaped wire. Late summer and early spring are the best times to cut the runners. Plants that can be propagated by this method include date palms and bromeliads.

Suckers

Suckers grow from the main plant, and come up form beneath the soil. Use a trowel to dig to the plantlets which grow from the main plant. Then use pruning shears to cut the plantlet from the parent plant and transplant. This should be done in late summer and early spring. Plants that can be propagated by this method include chimeras and cycad caudex.

Crown Division

The method of propagation by division involves garden fork dig out the plant you wish to propagate. Then cut the large sections of the plant into sections using a sharp spade. Then separate the clumps further by using your fingers to loosen the clumps. Select the youngest and best portions of the clumps and transplant in pots or soils. These plants must be planted before their roots dry out. Crown Division should take place when the plant naturally grows. Plants that can be propagated by this method include

Tissue Culture

The method of tissue culture involves taking a part of plant, whether it is a leaf, stalk or root. These are called the explant and placed in a special culture. With the correct nutrients and hormones, the explants are developed into plantelets which are then planted. This method is the most advanced and arguably successful in plant propagation. This method must be carried out electronically controlled laboratory environment. The humidity, temperature and other factors and monitored to ensure success. Almost all species can be propagated by this method, but such as potatoes and chides.