1. RHS Level 2 Certificate
Year 2 week 33 – All kinds
of Cuttings

2. Learning Objectives
1.1 Explain the genetic characteristics of a clone
1.2 Identify area of the plant in which new cells are produced
1.3 Name the types of stem cuttings.
1.4 Describe the propagation of plants using a range of stem
cuttings.
1.5 Describe the propagation of plants using a range of leaf
cuttings.
1.6 State the environmental requirements for successful
rooting of each of the types of cutting in 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and
1.5.
1.7 Describe the equipment required to propagate plants by
cuttings.
1.8 Describe the aftercare required for plants raised by
cuttings.
1.9 Take semi-ripe, softwood and leaf cuttings correctly.

3. What is vegetative
reproduction?
 growing a new plant
from some part of an
existing plant e.g.
strawberry
 a plant that is
produced in this way
is genetically
identical to the
original plant – it is a
clone

4. How does it work?
 Newly produced plant
cells contain all the
genetic information
needed to make a new
individual (totipotent cells)
 New plant cells are made
by plant meristems
 They divide under the
influence of plant growth
regulators to become part
of plant organs (e.g.
roots)

5. What happens when a cutting is
taken?
 The cutting is taken at a
leaf node, or where leaf
veins join the midrib,
there is a large area of
meristem.
 The cells divide quickly
and form callus
 These callus cells divide
and become root cells

6. Health and safety
 The scalpels are very sharp. Take care when
cutting.
 Some people are allergic to the sap of some
plants – use the latex gloves if you are or may
be affected.
 Do not get the rooting powder on your skin.
Use the wet wipes if you do. Do not inhale the
rooting powder – put the lid on when not in
use.

7. To take a softwood cutting 1
 Chose a side shoot
from the ‘mother’ plant
and cut it with the
secateurs just above a
leaf node about 10cm
from the tip
 Then cut the stem of
the cutting with the
scalpel on the tile just
below a leaf node
about 6-8cm from the
tip
 Remove the lower
leaves with the scalpel
so that the cutting has
a length of bare stem
and 2-3 sets of leaves
at most
 Dip the base in rooting
powder – carefully

8. To take a softwood cutting 2
 Make a hole in the
compost with a
dibber or pencil.
Insert the cutting into
the hole up to just
below the bottom set
of leaves.
 Firm the compost
round the cutting
with your fingertips
gently
 Label

9. Leaf blade Cuttings
 Two methods – cut into sections or
remove the central mid-rib.
 Remember that these cuttings have a
‘right way up’.
 Do not touch the cut surfaces.
 No need for rooting powder
 Firm contact with the compost is
essential.

10. Leaf Petiole Cuttings
 Ideal for Saintpaulia ionantha and
Peperomia caperata.
 Do not leave a snag on the parent plant
or this will rot.
 Trim after removal to leave 2.5 – 3cm
stalk – longer will not sit well in the tray.
 Base of the leaf should sit just under the
compost.

11. Semi Ripe Cuttings
 Taken from mid-summer to August from the
current years growth – starting to harden but
not yet rigid.
 Flowering shrubs that produce side shoots
are ideal subjects.
 Longer than soft wood cuttings, need rooting
powder and take longer to root.

12. After care of a cutting
 To grow a cutting needs the following:
•Moisture – control of transpiration and
providing sufficient water is key
•Warmth – whilst rooting
•Light – but not direct sunlight
•Oxygen/Carbon dioxide
•Nutrients – but not when first rooting as
they can scorch the root initials

13. Learning Outcomes
1.1 Explain the genetic characteristics of a clone
1.2 Identify area of the plant in which new cells are produced
1.3 Name the types of stem cuttings.
1.4 Describe the propagation of plants using a range of stem
cuttings.
1.5 Describe the propagation of plants using a range of leaf
cuttings.
1.6 State the environmental requirements for successful
rooting of each of the types of cutting in 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5.
1.7 Describe the equipment required to propagate plants by
cuttings.
1.8 Describe the aftercare required for plants raised by
cuttings.
1.9 Take semi-ripe, softwood and leaf cuttings correctly.