Vegetative propagation is a simple way to create clones of a plant. However, problems can also arise here.
If it is not possible to propagate a plant species from seeds or if you absolutely want to preserve the properties of a plant, you can fall back on forms of vegetative propagation. Since this takes place without seeds, it is also known as asexual or asexual reproduction. The best known is probably the propagation of cuttings. However, systems have already developed in nature that allow plants to clone themselves. Foothills with children - small, independent plants - in the case of strawberries, for example, are among them. Onions and potatoes form daughter onions or tubers. If these are planted, independent plants develop from these plant storage organs. Other methods involve deliberate human intervention to create clones of a plant. The so-called mossing on woody shoots is one of them. And grafting, as is done with fruit trees or tomatoes and cucumbers, is such a vegetative form of propagation. As a rule, there are no major problems with these propagations.
Propagating cuttings
It is different when propagating via cuttings. This is probably the most common form of asexual reproduction and is also easy to do at home. The tip of a shoot that is as unwoody as possible or another herbaceous section of the shoot is cut and placed in special cuttings substrate such as our Plantura organic herb and seed soil for rooting. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when creating herbal clones. Otherwise, problems can arise that make rooting of the cuttings difficult.
Propagating cuttings: problems
- Poor hygiene
If cuttings are taken from several plants and the knife is not disinfected in the meantime, plant diseases can easily be transmitted from one mother plant to the other or to the cuttings.
- Long Storage
If the cuttings are stored for a long time, rooting success can suffer. With increasing storage time, the energy reserves of the cuttings, which are required for rooting, are reduced. Therefore, the cuttings should be inserted as quickly as possible after cutting. If stored, then at lower temperatures in the refrigerator.
- Humidity too low
Cuttings do not yet have roots and therefore cannot absorb water. Therefore, the evaporation of water must be kept as low as possible. You can also place the cuttings in a mini greenhouse for the windowsill.
- Fungus
Propagation by cuttings is known for problems with fungal attack on the cuttings. The interface is a favorable entry point for the pathogens. Sometimes the leaves of the cutting are shortened to reduce transpiration and thus water requirements. This also favors the infestation with fungi. If the humidity is kept high for too long, the leaves will soon begin to rot.
- Poor rooting
The cutting simply doesn't want to form roots - what could be the reason? Even the wrong time can be responsible for this. There must be sufficient light and warmth. Therefore, propagation in autumn or winter will not lead to success. The best season for propagating cuttings is late spring or early summer. A higher temperature in the root area can accelerate root formation. A special heating mat from specialist retailers is ideal for this purpose. The bowls or trays with the cuttings are placed on top and thus heated in the root area.
- Poor Growth
After successful rooting, the cuttings may no longer grow. Then it usually helps to pot the young plants in fresh, nutrient-rich substrate and in a larger container. Substrates for the propagation of cuttings are intentionally low in nutrients - this creates more favorable conditions for rooting.
For more tips on vegetative propagation, see our article on optimal conditions for propagation from cuttings.