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How to Root a Cutting From a Rhododendron
How to Root a Cutting From a Rhododendron. While rhododendrons can be started from seeds, the most popular way to propagate them is through cuttings. This allows a gardener not only to reduce the time needed to obtain a plant that blooms, but also offers a way to obtain a variety of types of rhododendrons, reproduce favorite plants and share plants...
While rhododendrons can be started from seeds, the most popular way to propagate them is through cuttings. This allows a gardener not only to reduce the time needed to obtain a plant that blooms, but also offers a way to obtain a variety of types of rhododendrons, reproduce favorite plants and share plants with others almost any time of year. Rooting from cuttings also allows a gardener to work with the plants indoors or in a greenhouse during winter, and have strong healthy plants prepared for spring.
Things You'll Need
Planting pot or container
Peat moss
Perlite
Knife
Clear plastic wrap or clear plastic bag
Rubber band
Pencil
Root growth hormone
Prepare a pot or planting container by filling it with a 50/50 mixture of perlite and peat moss. Then poke a hole in the peat moss mixture for the cutting using a pencil.
Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting, leaving at least four leaves on the cutting.
Strip away the thin outer layer or bark of the cutting on one side starting at about 1/2-inch above the bottom and continuing all the way down so that the inner layers are expose on one side. This will help the roots form.
Dip the end of the cutting into root growth hormone, making sure to cover the area that you stripped away.
Poke the cutting into the pot, with the cut end down, so that it stands straight up.
Water the cutting thoroughly.
Create a tent over the pot with either clear plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag. Secure with a rubber band so that air does not escape.
Place the pot in a location that maintains a steady warm temperature, ideally around 70 degrees, and receives plenty of filtered sunlight.
Wait about two months, checking the plant occasionally and adding water if needed to keep it moist. Gently push back the soil at the end of two months to check for root growth, being careful not to damage the new roots.
Remove the plastic wrap once roots are identified and transplant the new rhododendron plant as desired.
Tips & Warnings
Make sure none of the leaves on the cutting are touching the soil after you place it in the pot. Leaves coming in contact with the soil could begin to rot and cause disease.
Don't place the cutting in direct sun. The direct light will cause it to overheat and die.
Don't give up too quickly if you don't see root growth right away. While most Rhododendrons root within two months, some can take up to a year.
