Pelargonium Cuttings

Many of us call these Geraniums, but they actually are Pelargoniums.


1) You will need a mature "mother plant," scissors/cutters, containers, soil, water, and rooting hormone powder. Well-draining soil is a must, so don't skimp on that. Next, clean your cutters and containers with bleach. Then fill your containers with soil, and water well. Take more cuttings than you think you will need because not all of them will root.



2) Take your cuttings from the main plant. They will need to be 4-5 inches long. Cut the lower leaves off to expose the nodes along the stem. That’s where the roots will grow. Let your cuttings callus over for at least 6 hours. What I do is take my cuttings in the evening and then pot them up in the morning. They will callus naturally by means of air-drying on a counter.


Cutting on the left is fresh. Cutting on the right is callused.

4) Dip the cuttings in rooting powder and place in the container full of moist soil. I have mine in a greenhouse, but a sunny window will work too. I used a paper plate, but a small paper cup works well too.


5) Most important!!!! Water your cuttings sparingly. If in doubt, be on the drier side, not wetter. I water with Chamomile tea solution: 2 teabags, 4 cups of hot water, let steep. Then add 2 cups of this to a 3-liter watering can. Add water to fill the can, and water with this every time. This will keep damping-off from killing your cuttings.


Here is a finished tray of cuttings. They will wilt and some of the bottom leaves will drop, but don't panic. In about 2 months you should have plants.



Here are some cuttings I did on October 1. Many are starting to put on new growth.


Have fun making new plants!