From my perspective as a plant, the timing of your cut is crucial for my successful propagation. My cells are most active and primed for root generation during my peak growth phases. The ideal period is late spring or early summer, after I have finished a major flowering cycle. At this time, my stems are mature yet still succulent—what you would call "semi-hardwood." The warmth and long daylight hours provide the perfect energy for me to divert from top growth to creating new roots. Taking cuttings in the intense heat of midsummer stresses me, and doing so in winter when I am dormant will almost certainly fail, as my metabolic processes have slowed to a near halt.
Please choose your source material wisely. Look for a healthy, non-flowering stem from my upper growth, about 4 to 6 inches long. Using a sterilized, sharp blade is imperative; a crushing or ragged cut from dull scissors invites pathogenic organisms that can kill me before I even have a chance. Make the cut just below a leaf node (the bump on my stem where leaves emerge). This node is a hub of meristematic cells, packed with the growth hormones necessary to form adventitious roots. Immediately remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting. This reduces surface area for water loss through transpiration and prevents any foliage from being buried and rotting.
While some of my kind can root in water, I prefer a well-draining, sterile medium like perlite, vermiculite, or a soilless seed-starting mix. Water roots are often weaker and more susceptible to shock upon transplantation. Before placing me in the medium, dipping my severed end into a rooting hormone powder can significantly enhance my chances. This powder contains synthetic auxins that stimulate root cell division, giving me a powerful head start. Make a hole in the medium with a pencil, insert me, and gently firm the mix around my stem to ensure good contact and eliminate air pockets.
My most vulnerable state is now. I have no roots to take up water, yet my leaves may still lose it. To prevent desiccation, I require a humid environment. Covering my pot with a clear plastic bag or dome creates a miniature greenhouse, conserving moisture. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light; direct sun will cook me inside this humid enclosure. Keep my growing medium slightly moist, but never soggy, as I am highly prone to rot. In two to four weeks, you can test for root development by giving me a very gentle tug. If I resist, roots have formed. Once rooted, gradually acclimate me to less humid conditions over a week before transplanting me into a larger pot with standard potting soil, where I can begin my life as a new, independent plant.
