Hydrangea (hydrangea macrophylla) -also popular as hydrangea, pink flower, or flower bokor-including flowering shrubs that wither / drop their leaves (deciduous plant). These plants cover a wide range of sizes, from small shrub varieties to larger tree-like ones. If you want to grow hydrangeas, you can make new specimens by growing them from plant cuttings to grow into new plants. The method of multiple propagation depends on whether you have the mother plant and how many cuttings you want to grow roots for.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Selecting Hydrangea Cuttings
Step 1. Remove mulch and soil from the base of the mature hydrangea plant, on the back and sides
Step 2. Look for non-flowering shoots with 2 to 3 leaves
It is very important to look for future cuttings from the part of the stem that is near the base of the plant, as a more woody stem will usually produce more roots.
Step 3. Make sure the cuttings you choose are at least 12.7 to 15.2 cm long
Step 4. Choose hydrangea cuttings in the morning
Avoid taking stems for cuttings when the plant leaves wilt, whenever that is.
Method 2 of 4: Growing Hydrangea Root Cuttings from a Bush
Step 1. Bend a low branch of the hydrangea bush to the ground
Step 2. Keep the branch in place
Use bricks, stones, or other heavy objects as ballast to hold up the branches.
Step 3. Water the plant as usual
Keep the soil conditions moist.
Step 4. Take a brick or stone, and check if the branch is rooted
Step 5. If you find that the roots haven't grown yet, put the bricks or stones back in place
Check the rooting process again the following week.
Step 6. Cut off the branches from the mother plant
Step 7. Dig and lift the rooted part out of the ground
Be careful not to let your shovel cut the roots of the cuttings or the mother plant.
Step 8. Move the plant to your desired location
Make sure the plant will get shade (in the shade).
Method 3 of 4: Growing Hydrangea Cuttings in Pots
Step 1. Prepare a pot for one or more hydrangea cuttings
- Use a soil mixture consisting of 1 part potting mix or peat with 1 part sand or vermiculite - a soil substitute made from silica minerals.
- Add soil to the pot you want to use and then moisten it thoroughly. Check to make sure there are no more dry patches of soil.
Step 2. Cut the hydrangea cuttings you have selected using sharp scissors or plant shears
Cut at least 5 inches (5.1 cm) below the leaf nodes-the slightly bent part of the stem/plant where shoots and leaves grow
Step 3. Remove excess leaves
Cut off the leaves below the top pair of leaves, being careful when cutting above the leaf nodes. Removing the leaves will trigger the plant to produce more roots.
Step 4. Trim the top of the leaf
It's not mandatory, but if you cut the top half of the largest leaves, it will help promote root growth.
Step 5. Dip the bottom of the cut hydrangea stems in rooting hormone
You can use a liquid or solid rooting hormone (powder). Hydrangea cuttings will develop without rooting hormones, but roots will grow faster if you use them.
Step 6. Insert the cuttings into the pot you have prepared
Gently press down until the stem is embedded into the soil to a depth of about 5.1 cm.
Step 7. Allow rooting to occur on hydrangea cuttings
Usually it will take 2 to 3 weeks to root the cuttings, but it can also take place more quickly depending on the temperature and humidity.
- Place a pot of hydrangea cuttings outdoors, if the outdoor temperature is between 15.5 and 26.7 degrees Celsius and you have a place that is protected from the wind and shaded.
- If the temperature outside is too hot/cold, leave the plant indoors. Make sure the rooted hydrangea cuttings receive shade or filtered sun exposure.
- Keep the soil moist, but don't over-water. The soil doesn't have to be soggy as over-watering can cause rot.
Step 8. Gently pull out one of your hydrangea cuttings after 2-3 weeks of age
If you feel a holding force, the cuttings have taken root. You can remove the cuttings immediately or allow the root system to develop further.
Method 4 of 4: Growing Hydrangea Root Cuttings in Water
Step 1. Prepare your hydrangea cuttings by removing excess leaves from the stems
Cut the stems of the hydrangea where there are no flowers or buds, at least 10-12 cm long. Remove the lower leaves, and cut the upper half of the leaves.
Step 2. Put the cuttings in a vase or glass filled with water
It's best to use a clear glass container, as this will allow you to see the roots as soon as they start to form.
Step 3. Wait for the roots to appear
Step 4. Change the water in the vase frequently to prevent mold growth
Step 5. Plant the hydrangea cuttings as soon as the roots are visible
Tips
- Most of the planters/farmers were more successful in growing hydrangea root cuttings in soil rather than water.
- Hydrangea propagation is most successful when done in early summer because it gives your new plant time to mature before fall arrives.
- If you can't plant hydrangea cuttings right away, you can store them overnight in the refrigerator.
Warning
- Take care to plant the cuttings far enough from each other, so that the leaves from one cutting do not touch the leaves of the other. This can cause spoilage.
- If you take plant cuttings from flowering buds, you will not have those flowers on the new hydrangea plant. Flowers appear on the previous year's flowering branches - the current non-flowering branches.
