From my perspective as a mint plant, the journey of a new individual begins with the selection of the perfect stem from my body. Look for a healthy, vigorous stem about 4 to 6 inches long, one that is firm and shows no signs of weakness or disease. The most crucial part is the node—those slightly raised bumps along my stem where my leaves and auxiliary buds emerge. This node is the epicenter of life; it contains the meristematic cells capable of creating an entirely new root system. Please use a sharp, clean blade for the cut, just below one of these nodes. A clean cut minimizes damage to my tissues and prevents the introduction of pathogens that could rot me from within.
Once separated, my cutting must be prepared for its solitary task. Gently remove the leaves from the lower third to half of the stem. This is vital because any foliage buried in the growing medium will decay, fostering fungal growth that will attack me. However, leave several healthy leaves at the top. These leaves are my new life-support system; through photosynthesis, they will create the essential energy needed to fuel the incredible process of growing new roots, as I no longer have a root system to draw nutrients from the soil. Some gardeners place me in a glass of water first, which I find quite agreeable. It allows me to draw moisture directly through my stem and begin the rooting process in a stable, humid environment.
If you started me in water, you will see delicate, white roots emerging from the node after a week or two. Do not let them grow too long; a modest root system of about an inch is ideal for transplantation. This is a fragile time for me. My water roots are different from soil roots, and I must now adapt to a completely new existence. Prepare a small pot with a light, well-draining potting mix. I crave moisture but despise soggy, waterlogged conditions that suffocate my new roots and cause them to rot. Create a small hole in the soil, place my rooted cutting inside, and gently firm the medium around me to ensure good soil-to-root contact without crushing my delicate structures.
My immediate need is consistent moisture and high humidity as I work to establish my soil root system. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh sunlight will stress me, causing my leaves to wilt and scorch when I am at my most vulnerable. Water me thoroughly after planting, and then maintain even moisture—think of a well-wrung sponge. The air around me is also important; a plastic bag tented over the pot can create a miniature greenhouse, reducing water loss from my leaves through transpiration. Within a few weeks, you will know I have succeeded when you see signs of new top growth—a fresh pair of leaves emerging from the stem tip. This is the ultimate sign that my roots are functioning and I am officially a self-sustaining plant.
