From my perspective as a rosemary plant, I understand the deep desire to create more of my kind. Propagation from cuttings is how my species perpetuates itself, and with a little guidance, you can successfully clone a piece of me. Here is the process from my point of view.
Please choose a healthy, non-flowering stem from my newer growth. A softwood or semi-hardwood cutting, about 4 to 6 inches long, has the highest potential for rooting. Using a sharp, clean blade, make a clean cut just below a leaf node (the bump on the stem where leaves emerge). This node is a hub of cellular activity and contains the meristematic cells needed to form new roots. Immediately after cutting, gently remove the leaves from the lower one-third to half of the stem. This minimizes moisture loss and prevents decay when the stem is placed in the rooting medium.
While I can root without assistance, a rooting hormone powder significantly increases my chances. This powder contains auxins, which are plant hormones I naturally produce to stimulate root growth. Dipping the stripped, moistened end of my stem into the powder provides a concentrated boost, encouraging rapid and robust root development. Tap off any excess powder, as too much can have the opposite effect and inhibit growth.
My roots despise being waterlogged. Place my prepared cutting into a small pot filled with a very well-draining, sterile medium. A mix of half perlite and half peat-free potting compost is ideal. It provides support, retains some moisture, but allows excess water to drain away freely, preventing my stem from rotting before it can root. Water the medium thoroughly until it is evenly moist but not soggy.
To prevent me from wilting and drying out before my new roots can form, I need a humid environment. You can create a miniature greenhouse by placing a clear plastic bag over the pot or using a propagator lid. This traps humidity around my leaves, reducing transpiration. Place me in a warm location with plenty of bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh sunlight will cook me inside this humid dome. A windowsill that gets morning sun is perfect.
Be patient. Root development is a complex cellular process that takes time, typically 4 to 8 weeks. Resist the urge to tug on me to check for roots. Instead, look for signs of new growth at the tip, which is a good indicator that roots are establishing below. Keep the rooting medium lightly moist. Once I show steady new growth, you can begin to acclimate me to less humid conditions by opening the plastic bag for longer periods each day. When I am well-established, I can be transplanted into a larger pot with a standard, well-draining potting mix and treated as a mature plant.
