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Growing plants from cuttings is a great way to get more plants for free, but some are harder to propagate than others. There are three main types of plant cuttings: softwood (including leaf cuttings), semi-hardwood, and hardwood. For best results, each type of plant should be propagated during a specific season. Only take cuttings from healthy, pest-free plants and always use clean, sharp secateurs.
Softwood plant cuttings, like the tender new growth of rosemary, lavender, or hydrangea, take better in spring – and are best cut early in the day when the plant is full of moisture.
To take a softwood cutting, cut about 10cm of growth just below a leaf node, where there is a concentration of growth-stimulating hormones, which can increase the likelihood of it growing roots. Non-flowering shoots expend less energy, so should root more readily. Remove lower leaves from the cutting.
Semi-hardwood cuttings, where the tips are flexible but stems have begun to harden – such as from a bay tree, camellia shrub, or jasmine plant – are taken from late summer to autumn.
Cut a 10cm length from the growing tip of the plant, retaining some leaves at the top end of the cutting. Ideally, the cutting will be straight and without branches.
Hardwood cuttings are taken in winter from dormant plants such as roses, figs, hydrangeas, or grapevines, when the wood is firm and not pliable. Select healthy stems that have grown within the last year.
Take a section of the plant about 15cm long. Cut the bottom just below a node, and make an angled cut on the top just above a node.
Dip the bottom ends of all cuttings into honey or a rooting hormone to aid root development, then insert into shallow seedling trays or pots filled with propagation mix. Hardwood cuttings will need larger containers and more mix to root. Position the containers in a warm, protected spot out of direct sunlight and keep the mix moist. To maintain warmth and humidity, you could use a covered propagation tray or loosely tie plastic bags over the pots. After a few weeks, gently remove soft- and semi-hardwood cuttings from the soil, check the roots and, if developed, plant in a slightly larger pot. It may take hardwood cuttings two or three months for roots to form and leaves to appear.
Check out our range of seeds and propagation equipment.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
