stem secrets
non-woody growth that emerges in
spring and sometimes summer. Their
rooting potential is high, but they will
easily wilt and rot under sub-optimal
rooting percentages depending on the
plant of interest. That is to say, for some
plants, rooting potential will be higher
when taken from the very end of the
branch, whereas the
“Personal experience
opposite is true with
others.
has shown that rooting
Lastly, before the cuts
from mature plants is
are made, make sure
the plant is not under
still obtainable, albeit
water stress and that
at significantly reduced
growth is neither very
percentages; nonetheless, it’s vigorous (high in nibest to stick to younger plants trogen and low in carbon) or very stunted
when possible.”
(often an indicator
that the plant is older
conditions. Semi-hardwood cuttings
or not growing in favorable conditions).
occur during a transitional period when
All of these factors will reduce rooting
softwood starts to form a woody protecpotential.
tive layer. In non-tropical areas, this is a
Now we are ready to make the cut.
protective measure against cold temperaThe ideal cutting size depends upon the
tures during the winter. Semi-hardwood
type (softwood, semi-hardwood
cuttings are not as delicate as softwood
or hardwood). Sizes range from
cuttings, but they will wilt if exposed to
3 in. for softwood to 12 in. or
low humidity. Lastly, hardwood cuttings
more for hardwood cuttings. In
are often taken from dormant plants
general, 3 to 8 in. cuttings are ideal
(those without leaves) during the fall and
for all types. If the cuttings are
winter. These cuttings are the least finsoftwood, pay close aticky in terms of care and can be bundled
tention to the terminal
together, placed in a refrigerator and
growth. If it is quite
stuck later in
soft and easily bends,
the spring.
remove it as rotting
Another important consideration is the
will usually occur.
age of the plant. In general, the age of
While length
the plant greatly influences the rooting
is an important
potential of the cutting. Juvenile plants
measurement, pay close
produce cuttings that root far better
attention to the nodes (place were leaves
than older plants. While the exact reason
attach to the stem) per cuttings. Each
is unknown, some scientists attribute
cutting should have at least two nodes
this decrease in rooting potential to an
(three is preferable). The cut should be
increase in root-inhibiting compounds.
made directly above a node on the “parPersonal experience has shown that rootent” plant.
ing from mature plants is still obtainable,
albeit at significantly reduced percentages; Storage conditions and processing
nonetheless, it’s best to stick to younger
Now that you have made the cut(s),
plants when possible.
proper processing and sticking should
The position from which the cuttings
occur. However, if this is not possible
are taken can also impact rooting potenand you are working with softwood
tial. Distal (closer to the end of a branch)
or semi-hardwood cuttings then
and proximal (closer to where the branch
preventing water loss is integral.
attaches to the trunk) can influence
This can be accomplished by
116
Maximum Yield USA | September 2012
immediately placing the cuttings in a
plastic bag, which is then sealed. It is
also preferable to mist the cuttings prior
to sealing, but if you do not have access to water simply use a sealable bag. If
outside temperatures are hot, a cooler is a
great place to put your sealed bags. Keep
in mind that water stress in softwood
or semi-hardwood cuttings can occur
quickly(seconds to minutes).
The next step in processing is removal
of leaves. While some authors instruct
removal of all but the top set of leaves in
softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings,
some disagree. Leaves are the carbohydrate manufacturing center for the
plant; therefore, these leaves provide the