Floral Careers Plant Propagation

 Meristematic: these are composed of actively dividing cells and are responsible for plant growth. ◦ apical meristems ◦ lateral meristems (vascular cambium)  Permanent: these are composed of cells that are no longer dividing. They form the structure of the plant.

The Simplified Plant

 Stem Cuttings  Leaf-Bud Cuttings  Stem Sections  Leaf Cuttings

 Section of stem about 4-6 inches long and having at least 2 nodes.  The basal end of the cutting is inserted into a rooting medium.

 At the nodes.  At the cut end of the stem.  Between the nodes.  All 3 involve meristematic tissues.

cut end nodes between the nodes

 Consists of a leaf blade, petiole, and a portion of the stem containing a bud.

 Make and plant the cuttings in such a way that all 3 rooting possibilities exist.  Use a rooting hormone.  Provide bottom heat.  Maintain moisture and humidity.  Avoid direct sunlight.

 A good medium should be well-drained, yet have some moisture retaining capabilities: ◦ 2 parts coarse perlite ◦ 1 part sphagnum peat moss

coarse perlite sphagnum peat moss 2 1

propagation flat with clear dome rooting powder electric propagation mats for bottom heat

 House plants that can be propagated using this method include: ◦ Hawaiian Ti Plant ◦ Dracaena ◦ Dumbcane ◦ Chinese Evergreen

Stem sections can be positioned vertically or horizontally

 A select group of house plants can be propagated using leaf cuttings.  Examples include: ◦ Snake Plant ◦ Begonia ◦ African violet ◦ Peperomia

An assortment of leaf cuttings

Begonia leaf cutting; notice the new shoot in the center of the picture

Rooted Begonia leaf cuttings ready to transplant

Peperomia leaf cutting with new shoot

Rooted Peperomia leaf cutting ready to transplant