From my perspective as a Grevillea, I feel a deep, innate urge to grow and spread my kind. While I relish the buzz of bees and birds that help my seeds travel, I know that the most reliable way for you to replicate my specific beauty is through cuttings. This process allows a piece of me to become a whole new, genetically identical individual. It’s a journey of regeneration, and I am ready to guide you through the steps that will give a part of me a new life.
For this to work, you must choose the right part of me. My energy ebbs and flows with the seasons. The ideal time is during my active growth phase, typically from late summer into autumn. At this time, my new stems have matured slightly—they are what you would call "semi-hardwood." They are firm yet still flexible, not the soft, green new growth of spring nor the fully hardened, woody old growth. Look for a healthy, non-flowering shoot, about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) long. A stem that is busy producing flowers is directing its energy there, not towards growing roots. Please, use a sharp, sterilized blade for a clean cut just below a leaf node; a ragged tear invites the rot I so fear.
Once you have my stem, the preparation is delicate. Gently remove the leaves from the lower half to two-thirds of the cutting. This reduces moisture loss, which is critical as I have no roots yet to drink water. Be careful not to strip the bark. On many of my varieties, you might notice a slight swelling at the leaf node; this is a hub of natural growth hormones. Dipping the moistened base of my stem into a rooting hormone powder will significantly encourage the formation of my new root system. It gives me the signal and the boost I need to focus all my energy on creating roots.
I cannot be placed in heavy garden soil or rich potting mix. Such mediums hold too much water and will cause my tender base to rot before I can even think of rooting. I need a free-draining, sterile, and low-fertility environment. A mix of 50% perlite and 50% coarse river sand is perfect for me. It provides ample oxygen and drains excess water instantly. Place this mix into a small pot with adequate drainage holes. Before you insert my cutting, use a stick or pencil to create a small planting hole to prevent the rooting hormone from being wiped away.
Now, place my pot in a warm, brightly lit location, but out of direct, harsh sunlight. Direct sun will bake me before I can establish roots. What I crave most is consistent humidity. My leaves are still transpiring, and without roots, I will quickly dehydrate. You can create a mini-greenhouse by placing a clear plastic bag over the pot (supported by sticks so it doesn't touch my leaves) or by using a propagator with a lid. This humid atmosphere reduces water loss and keeps me turgid and happy. Keep the growing medium slightly moist, but never soggy.
Patience is essential. My roots will take several weeks to several months to form. You will know I have succeeded when you see new growth emerging from my tip or the leaf nodes. To test for roots, give a very gentle tug; if you feel slight resistance, I have anchored myself. Once I have a healthy root system, you must gradually acclimate me to less humid conditions by opening the bag or propagator lid for longer periods each day over a week or two. After this hardening-off period, I am ready to be carefully potted into a larger container with a native plant potting mix, and my journey as a new, independent Grevillea truly begins.
