From my perspective as a Grevillea, the timing of your cut is crucial for my successful propagation. My energy is at its peak during my active growth phase, which typically occurs from late spring through early autumn. During this period, my semi-hardwood stems—those that have begun to mature but are not yet old and brittle—are ideal. They contain the right balance of hormones and carbohydrates to fuel root development. Taking cuttings in the intense heat of midsummer stresses me, as I am already conserving water. Conversely, attempting to propagate during my winter dormancy is futile, as my metabolic processes are too slow to initiate root growth. Choosing the right moment respects my natural cycle and greatly increases our chance of success.
When you select a stem from me, please choose a healthy, non-flowering shoot approximately 10-15 cm long. A flowering stem will divert energy away from root formation and towards sustaining the bloom, which is counterproductive for propagation. Using a sharp, sterilized blade for the cut is an act of kindness; it creates a clean wound that I can easily compartmentalize, reducing the risk of pathogenic infection. The cut should be made just below a node, a point on my stem where leaves emerge. This node is a hub of cellular activity and contains a high concentration of auxins, the hormones that naturally stimulate root initiation. Immediately after severing the connection to the parent plant, place my cutting in a damp cloth or water. This prevents my vascular tissues from forming an air embolism, which would block the flow of water and nutrients, effectively sealing my fate before we even begin.
My needs for rooting are very specific. I require a free-draining, low-phosphorus propagating medium, such as a mix of coarse sand and perlite. My roots are particularly sensitive to phosphorus, and a standard potting mix can be toxic to me at this tender stage. Before you place my prepared cutting into the medium, dipping the base in a rooting hormone powder is highly beneficial. This supplement boosts the natural auxins at my node, providing a strong signal to my cells to switch from stem to root development. The environment around my foliage must be one of high humidity. By covering the pot with a plastic bag or dome, you create a miniature ecosystem that drastically reduces transpiration water loss from my leaves. Without a robust root system to replace lost water, I would simply desiccate and perish.
Once potted, I embark on the critical journey of generating new roots. This process is invisible to you but is a massive undertaking for me. The callus tissue will form over the wound at my base first, a protective measure. Then, using the stored energy from my leaves and the hormonal cues, undifferentiated cells at the node will begin to develop into root primordia. This can take anywhere from six to twelve weeks. You must place me in a position with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight would cook me inside the humid propagation chamber. Gentle tugs on my stem after several weeks will tell you if I have developed resistance from new roots. Patience is essential; I am building an entirely new foundation for my life.
