Taking cuttings from plants and rooting them is a great way to propagate new plants for free. But an important question is – can you put cuttings straight into soil right away? Or do they need special treatment first before going into the ground? In this guide, we’ll look at the pros and cons of putting cuttings directly into soil and alternatives like rooting in water first.
Overview of Putting Cuttings Into Soil
Putting cuttings directly into soil is certainly possible. The key advantages of this method are:
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Convenient and straightforward.
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Avoids extra steps like rooting in water first.
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Utilizes soil’s naturally beneficial rooting properties.
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Bypasses possible transition shock going from water to soil.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks:
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Higher chance of rotting if soil stays too wet.
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Harder to monitor root development.
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Cuttings may need more humidity when first planted.
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Slower initial root formation vs. other methods.
Overall, if done carefully by an experienced gardener, planting cuttings right into soil can definitely work well. But some important care tips should be followed.
Tips for Putting Cuttings Directly Into Soil
Here are some best practices for successfully rooting cuttings in soil:
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Take cuttings from healthy, pest-free mother plants.
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Use a sterile, well-draining potting mix, not garden soil.
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Add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
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Water sparingly at first to prevent rotting.
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Consider a mini greenhouse for added humidity.
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Give filtered sunlight, not direct sun.
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Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated.
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Monitor soil moisture carefully and don’t overwater.
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Be patient – rooting can take many weeks.
With the right care, cuttings can root well directly in soil, but it requires vigilance.
Alternative Methods for Rooting Cuttings
If the idea of putting cuttings straight into soil makes you nervous, there are other effective options:
Rooting in Water
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Very simple and low maintenance.
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Roots are visible so it’s easy to monitor progress.
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Provides humidity while avoiding wet soil.
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May still need time to transition to soil after rooting.
Using Rooting Hormone
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Stimulates faster, more abundant root growth.
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Especially helpful for woody or difficult cuttings.
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Dip cuttings in powder or liquid concentrate before planting.
Using a Propagation Station
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Creates a warm, humid environment.
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Popular options are mini greenhouses, propagation domes, etc.
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Keeps soil evenly moist.
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Avoids frequent misting by hand.
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Allows air circulation to prevent mold.
Steps for Putting Cuttings Into Soil
If you decide to root cuttings directly in soil, follow these key steps:
1. Prepare the Cuttings
Take 6-8 inch cuttings from vigorous, healthy plants using clean shears. Remove lower leaves.
2. Use a Sterile Potting Mix
Avoid garden soil which may harbor diseases. Use a commercial potting mix or make your own sterile mix.
3. Plant the Cuttings
Poke holes with a pencil about 2 inches apart and deep enough to bury 2-3 leaf nodes. Place cuttings.
4. Water Lightly
Water just enough to moisten the soil without saturating it. Proper drainage is crucial.
5. Provide Warmth and Humidity
Place pots in a propagator or mini greenhouse, or cover with plastic. Keep out of direct sun.
6. Wait Patiently
Resist the urge to overwater or disturb the cuttings. Rooting can take 4-8 weeks.
Key Takeaways on Direct Soil Rooting
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Letting cuttings establish roots directly in soil is definitely possible.
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However, extra care must be taken to prevent rotting and mold issues.
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Alternatives like rooting in water avoid excess moisture complications.
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If using soil, provide very light watering, warmth, and high humidity at first.
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Monitor closely and wait patiently – don’t overwater or rush the process.
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With proper technique, the direct soil method can produce successfully rooted cuttings.
By following sound horticultural practices, you can propagate plants from cuttings rooted directly in soil. But other methods like water rooting tend to be lower maintenance for beginners. With experience, you can determine which rooting method works best for your gardening needs and style.
Are The Roots Long Enough?
I’ve done a lot of propagating over the years with a variety of plants. I’ve tested different root lengths for transfer to soil, and came up with this rule of “green thumb”. It’s best to wait until the roots are at least two to four inches long before moving them to soil.
The roots can be longer, but I’ve found that they’re best when they’re between 2 and 4 inches long.
What Size Pot Is Best To Use?
It’s really important to use a pot that is relatively the same size as the root system. You want the roots to be able to spread out, but not so big that they can’t hold all the water. I use a pot that is about 2”-3” bigger around than the root system. Don’t forget to use a pot WITH a drainage hole. If you have a pot with no drainage hole, you can drill your own hole.
If the roots are about 2” long, then I would use a 4” pot. If the roots were 4” long, then I would use a standard 6” pot. And so on….
BEST Way To Move Water Rooted Cuttings To Soil
FAQ
Can I put cuttings directly into soil?
How long does it take for a cutting to root in soil?
Do cuttings need to root before planting?
Can you root cuttings in dirt?
Can you put cuttings straight into soil?
You can put cuttings straight into soil as long as you have prepared them correctly. ‘Cut under a node at the bottom and above a node at the top,’ says Chick-Seward. You must also remove the lower leaves, leaving only two or three at the top.
How do you grow a plant from a cutting?
To grow a plant from a cutting, take a cutting of a plant (which must include a node, as that’s where the roots grow from), poke your finger a few inches into the soil, and place the cutting in the hole. Fill your pot the rest of the way with soil, press down the soil to secure it, and water it.
How do you plant cuttings in soil?
How to plant cuttings in soil Plant your cuttings in free-draining compost. ‘Use a 50/50 mix of peat-free propagation compost and coarse grit,’ advises Chick-Seward. Fill up your pots and then water your potting mix, prior to planting the cuttings.
Can you take cuttings from a plant?
Take cuttings from healthy, disease-free plants, preferably from the upper part of the plant. The fertility status of the stock (parent) plant can influence rooting. Avoid taking cuttings from plants that show symptoms of mineral nutrient deficiency.