How to Start a Plant Cutting in a Sandwich Bag

Overview

Need to start a plant cutting to give to a friend, or to replant for yourself? This method is simple and effective. By starting the cutting in a sealed plastic baggie, you ensure the leaves can take root with minimal intervention. The bag acts almost as a greenhouse, keeping in moisture until it's time to transfer the cutting to a pot or other container.

Step 1

Mix equal parts of light, sandy soil and vermiculite. The light soil is desirable because it doesn't foster disease, as darker potting soil tends to do in undeveloped cuttings.

Step 2

Pour 2 to 3 inches of the soil mixture into a zip-top plastic sandwich bag. Water the soil until it is very wet, then tip the bag to pour off any standing water.

Step 3

Use the shears to cut off a small section of the plant at an angle. Moisten the trimmed edge of the cutting and remove any leaves on the lower third of the cutting.

Step 4

Plant the cut tip of the cutting into the soil. Seal the baggie almost entirely and inflate the bag with air; then finish sealing it. The air will create a greenhouse-like atmosphere in the bag, and will also keep the bag from touching the plant. Set the baggie in a shallow bowl to keep it upright.

Step 5

Let the plant take root. This process will take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. While the cutting is growing, place the bag in partial sunlight and check the soil every few days to make sure it is still moist.