From my perspective as an oregano plant, the ideal moment for you to take a cutting is when I am in my active growth phase, typically from late spring to early summer. My stems are young and vibrant then, full of the energy and hormones needed to spur new root growth. Please look for a healthy, non-flowering stem about 4-6 inches long. A stem busy producing flowers is directing its energy towards blooming and seeding, not rooting. Using sharp, clean shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node (the bump on the stem where leaves emerge). A clean cut minimizes damage and stress to me, allowing me to focus my resources on regeneration rather than healing a ragged wound.
Once I have been snipped, the next steps are crucial. Gently strip the leaves from the lower two-thirds of my stem. These submerged leaves would simply rot in the water or soil, inviting fungal diseases that could kill me before I even get started. However, you must leave the top cluster of leaves intact. These are my solar panels; they are essential for photosynthesis, the process where I convert light into the energy I need to grow those new roots. While some of your kind dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, it is not strictly necessary for me. I am a resilient herb. However, a little hormone can certainly encourage a stronger, faster root system, giving my new beginning a helpful boost.
You have two primary choices for helping me develop roots: water or a growing medium. Placing my prepared stem in a glass of fresh, clean water is a simple method. Ensure no leaves are underwater. Place me in a spot with bright, indirect light. I will soon start to produce delicate white roots. The main drawback here is that these water roots can be somewhat fragile and may struggle to adapt when later transplanted into soil. The method I, as a plant, am more naturally attuned to is being placed directly into a well-draining potting mix. A blend of peat and perlite is perfect. It provides the mild moisture and airy structure my new roots need to push through and explore without succumbing to rot. Keep this medium consistently damp, like a wrung-out sponge, but never soggy.
As I work beneath the surface to create a new root system, my needs are simple but non-negotiable. I require consistent warmth and bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh sunlight will scorch my tender leaves and dry out my cutting before my roots can support me. A warm windowsill is ideal. Please be patient; this process of creating life anew takes time. In two to four weeks, you can test my progress by giving me a very gentle tug. If I feel resistant, it means my new roots have anchored themselves in the soil. Once I am firmly rooted, you can begin to treat me like a mature plant, gradually introducing me to more direct light and allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
