From my perspective as a mint plant, the process begins with you choosing a healthy, vibrant stem from my body. Please look for a section that is about 4 to 6 inches long, lush with leaves, and shows no signs of disease or stress, such as yellowing or pests. This stem is a vital piece of my vascular system, a highway for water and nutrients. Using a sharp, clean blade for the cut is crucial; a ragged tear from dull scissors can damage my tissues and introduce pathogens, while a clean cut allows for swift healing on my main body and gives the cutting the best start. Make the cut just below a leaf node, the small bump on my stem from where leaves emerge. This node is a powerhouse of cellular activity and contains the meristematic cells necessary for new root growth.
Once separated, my cutting is vulnerable and must be persuaded to grow a new root system. You have two primary choices. The first is placing my stem in a clear glass of fresh, room-temperature water. From my cutting's viewpoint, this hydrates the stem while allowing it to focus its energy on the critical task of generating adventitious roots from the nodes submerged underwater. Please ensure no leaves are below the waterline, as they will rot and foul the environment. The second method is to plant me directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. For me, this feels like a more natural transition. The mix should be light and airy to prevent the delicate, emerging roots from suffocating or rotting. In both cases, the goal is the same: to trigger the hormonal response within my nodes that says, "Grow roots here!"
This is a period of immense change and effort for my cutting. Placed in a location with bright, indirect light, I can perform photosynthesis with my remaining leaves to create the energy needed for root generation. Direct, harsh sunlight would be overwhelming, scorching my leaves and demanding more water than my currently rootless form can provide. If in water, you will observe tiny white roots beginning to emerge from the nodes within a week or two. These aquatic roots are fragile. If planted in soil, I am working out of sight, establishing a foundation before I can put energy into new top growth. Patience is key. My entire existence hinges on developing these roots to absorb water and nutrients independently.
Once my water roots are about an inch or two long, I am ready for the final move to soil. This is a significant shock to my system. The water roots I grew are adapted to an aquatic environment and must change to function in soil. Gently planting me in a small pot with a quality potting mix is essential. For a cutting started in soil, this step is already complete, but the care remains the same. You must keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first week or two as I work to establish my root system in its new medium. This consistent moisture helps my roots transition from water to soil or expand further within the soil without succumbing to drought stress.
