Propagating Native Plants

Other Vegetative Propagation Methods

Contents

Learning Objectives

Narrative

Root Cuttings
There are many native plants which could be propagated by this method Select plants that naturally propagate from roots such as blackberry, rose and tules. Also the fine roots of many perennials may be propagated in this manner. The procedure for root cuttings is similar to that for stem cuttings except as follows. You may store cuttings from dormant roots for 3 weeks in moist rooting medium at 40 degrees F or transport immediately to a nursery. Trim the cutting to 1-2 inches for smaller plants, up to 10 inches for larger plants. The cutting may be horizontally and completed covered with the growing medium. Alternatively, the cutting may be planted upright - the lower end should be the part of the root that was farthest from the stem. Use a diagonal cut for this end when collecting so you can remember. Keep moist and warm, in a bright location until growth and weather permit acclimatizing to the outdoors.
Layering
Layering causes roots to develop on shoots that are still attached to the parent plant. Layering is a good propagation choice when only a few plants are needed or you wish to speed the spread of an established native creeper such as bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). Plants with flexible branches are particularly suited to this method. Layering is done in early spring while plants are still dormant or in late summer on wood that has not become woody. Simple layering is done by bending a branch to the ground and burying a portion of it. The tip remains uncovered. A porous soil increases rooting success, as will wounding or girdling the buried section. Treatment with rooting hormone is helpful. Hold the branch in place with a rock or peg. The stem is not cut from the main plant until it has rooted. Use this method when other propagation methods are unsuccessful.
For difficult-to-root plants, try air-layering. For a clear presentation of air-ayering please see the following link http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/ornamentals/airlayer/airlayer.html
Divisions
Division is the cutting or breaking up of a crown or clump of suckers into segments. Each segment must have a bud and some roots. These segments are replanted and grow into new plants identical to the parent. Carefully dig the plant, loosening the roots and lifting the plant from the soil. Split apart the main clump with two spades or forks or chop with a shovel or hatchet if the clump is firmly massed. In some cases outside segments of the plant can be removed and replanted without disturbing the rest of the plant. One rule of thumb is to divide fall-flowering perennials in spring and spring- and summer-flowering perennials in fall.
Some shrubs that form clumps or crowns are suitable for division. Divide in early spring while dormant. Shrubs used for division should have several clumps that are two years old or older.
Bulbs can be propagated by removing small bulblets or offsets that form at the base of the parent bulb. These small bulbs take 2 or 3 years to mature into plants that flower. Place offsets in rich, light soil for their development.
Many lilies can be multiplied by removing scales from the mature bulb. Dust the scale with a fungicide and place, base end down, in a moist growing medium in a warm, protected area. Bulblets will form at the base of the scale. In 1 to 4 years these propagules will mature and be ready to flower. A similar procedure should be followed for plants which form from corms, tubers and rhizomes.
Key Points:

Exercises

  1. Select a method of vegetative propagation see above and write a brief procedure explaining how it works. Start a new plant by any means of vegetative propagation and keep a journal describing the new plant's progress; Keep records along with a photographic record if possible about the treatment, growth and the success or failure of your project. As this is a home education project you will be responsible for checking your journal and your progress throughout the project. If your plant dies or does not propagate correctly, you might think about joining a plant society, garden club or contacting a local nursery person, college professor or other expert for help and feedback on your problems.

References

 
The content of the page was last modified 2008-05-07