Transcript Unit A3-3 - Purdue University

Plant Propagation
An introduction to the proper, propagation of plants!
What Is Asexual Reproduction?

Asexual reproduction in plants
involves the reproduction of new
plants using only the vegetative
parts of the parent plant
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Also called Plant Propagation
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Why Should We Propagate?
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What if the plant is difficult to
germinate or doesn’t create a viable
seed?
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Think about an orchid!

What if the plant that you want more of
is perfect? You want it to be true to seed.
This form of reproduction
produces plants that are
identical to the parent plant
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Asexual propagation may be
faster than propagation by seed

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Germination and growth of
seedlings is often slow compared to
propagation by cuttings
It may also be more economical to
produce plants asexually and in
many cases it is easier
So let’s learn more about propagation!!!!!
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
Leaf – stem cutting
A.
D.
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Division, Separation, and Layering

Grafting and Budding
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Tissue Culture
B.
C.
All of these put together are great ways to
propagate just about any plant!!!!
Layering etc.
Tissue Culture
Leaf
Cutting
Grafting
Review of Plant Parts
stipule
bud
stem
midrib
node
axil
internode
blade
petiole
node
Leaf and Leaf-Bud Cuttings
A leaf cutting is
a piece of a leaf
blade, or a leaf
blade with a
petiole attached
A leaf-bud cutting
consists of a leaf blade,
the petiole, and a short
piece of stem with an
attached bud
Leaf Cuttings

Healthy leaves that have just reached
maturity should be used for leaf cuttings

Some plants may be propagated using only
the leaf blade or a section of the leaf


The leaf is cut from the parent plant and the cut
edge placed on top of the rooting medium or
inserted into the medium
New plants develop along the edge of the leaf.
Leaf Cuttings Continued

Some plants require that both the leaf
blade and petiole be removed from the
parent plant

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These cuttings should be placed deep
enough in the medium to keep the cutting
upright
Moisture is very important for the growth of
the cutting

The cuttings cannot absorb water quickly so
they must be kept moist

However, too much water will cause the cuttings of
most plants to rot
Processing the Cutting

What you should do with the cutting before
planting to ensure less water loss?

Process it immediately

If not possible put the cut into water and bag it up. Put it
into direct sun.
Remove some of the leaves. About 1/2 to 2/3 of the
leaves. If large leaves are left, cut them in half.
Place in the rooting medium, put pot in a bag (keep the
bag off of cutting), and put the processed cutting in the
greenhouse. Keep it out of direct light.
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Rooting Medium and Root Formation
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Rooting Medium- The substance that allows maximum
root growth. Usually consisting of different parts water
absorbers and aerators.
A good rooting medium should consist of 50% vermiculite
and 50% perlite. This will hold sufficient air and water for
maximum root growth.
To encourage root formation, apply a rooting hormone to
the edge of the cutting.
Keep your cuttings at temperatures between 65 and 75
degrees Fahrenheit.
Now let’s get goin’ into the greenhouse and
practice some cuttings in our groups!!!!!