Practical Horticulture: Taking Petiole Cuttings

• Biology
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Practical Horticulture: Taking Petiole Cuttings

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to successfully take petiole cuttings and understand the importance of using plant hormone, appropriate soil, and aftercare.

What do you already know about plant propagation through petiole cuttings?

What are leaf petiole cuttings?

1. Flowers cut from stems for propagation purposes
2. Stems cut from leaves for propagation purposes
3. Leaves cut from stems for propagation purposes
4. Roots cut from stems for propagation purposes

Why are hormones important in leaf petiole cuttings?

1. To promote leaf growth and development
2. To prevent root growth and development
3. To enhance flower growth and development
4. To stimulate root growth and development

What is the role of after care in leaf petiole cuttings?

1. To expose the cuttings to direct sunlight
2. To hinder the growth of roots
3. To prevent the absorption of water
4. To provide optimal growing conditions for rooting

Why is compost important in leaf petiole cuttings?

1. To inhibit the absorption of water
2. To provide nutrients for healthy root development
3. To hinder root development
4. To reduce the chances of successful rooting

Which of the following is NOT important in leaf petiole cuttings?

1. Using appropriate hormones
2. Using quality compost
3. Exposing cuttings to extreme temperatures
4. Providing after care

What are Petiole Cuttings?

Petiole cuttings involve taking a section of the leaf stalk, or petiole, from a plant to propagate new plants.

Method for Taking Petiole Cuttings

1. Select a healthy plant with suitable leaves.
2. Use clean and sharp scissors to cut the petiole at a 45-degree angle.
3. Remove any lower leaves.
4. Place the cutting in water or a rooting hormone solution.

Does anyone know why we cut the stalk at a 45 degree angle?

Plant Hormone and its Importance

Plant hormone, such as auxin, is used to promote root growth in petiole cuttings. It stimulates the development of new roots.

Type of Soil for Petiole Cuttings

Using a well-draining soil mixture, like a combination of peat moss and perlite, is essential for petiole cuttings. It provides necessary aeration and moisture control.

Aftercare for Successful Propagation

1. Place the cuttings in a warm and humid environment.
2. Mist the leaves regularly to maintain moisture.
3. Provide indirect light.
4. Monitor for root development.

Advantages of Petiole Cuttings

1. Allows for rapid propagation.
2. Ensures genetic similarity to the parent plant.
3. Ideal for plants with difficult or slow seed germination.

Review and Summary

Recap the key points: method for taking petiole cuttings, use of plant hormone, appropriate soil, and aftercare practices.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.