Taking cuttings

• Biology
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Taking cuttings

What do we already know about cuttings?

Taking cuttings involve creating a new plant from a parent plant’s stem, leaf or root. One of advantages of doing plant propagation by cuttings is that the new plant will be genetically identical so the special characteristics of the plant will be kept. Also, a plant grown from a cutting will grow and mature faster than one from a seed. 

There are a number of factors that can affect the success of cuttings. Firstly, the moisture levels should be maintained at a suitable level to prevent the cuttings from drying out. However, excess moisture can lead to the development of fungal infections and root rot. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance and ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Temperature plays a crucial role in the rooting process. Different plant species may have varying temperature requirements, so it is important to research the optimal temperature range for your particular cuttings. Generally, warmer temperatures promote faster root growth, although overheating can damage the cuttings.

Thirdly, lighting conditions can affect the success of rooting cuttings. Too much direct sunlight can cause the cuttings to dry out, while insufficient light can slow down root growth. It is recommended to provide bright but indirect light to the cuttings.

Finally, the soil or rooting medium should be well-draining and nutrient-rich to support root development. A mixture of peat moss and perlite or vermiculite is a popular choice for rooting cuttings.

Sometimes plants will need some extra help to grow roots and so rooting hormone is added which helps to promote the formation of new roots and protect the cutting from disease.

What is a primary advantage of cuttings?

1. Requires no moisture
2. Grows slower than from seeds
3. Genetically identical to the parent plant
4. Can’t develop roots

What moisture level is ideal for cuttings?

1. Always waterlogged soil
2. No moisture needed
3. Completely dry soil
4. Consistently moist but not waterlogged

How does temperature affect cuttings?

1. Temperature has no effect
2. Warmer promotes faster root growth
3. Only cold is beneficial
4. Lower temperatures enhance root growth

What light condition is best for cuttings?

1. Bright but indirect light
2. Complete darkness
3. Full direct sunlight
4. Only fluorescent light

What is the role of rooting hormone?

1. Dries out the cuttings
2. Promotes root formation and protects cuttings
3. Makes soil waterlogged
4. Inhibits root formation

What is a key advantage of cuttings?

1. Takes longer to mature than seeds
2. Genetically identical to parent plant

What can excess moisture cause?

1. Faster root growth
2. Fungal infections and root rot

What light conditions do cuttings need?

1. Direct sunlight all day
2. Bright but indirect light

What is a suitable soil mixture for cuttings?

1. Peat moss and perlite
2. Clay and sand only

What is rooting hormone used for?

1. Promotes root formation and disease protection
2. Increases leaf growth only