Misting for Rooting Plants

Overview

Misting the cuttings you want to root from existing plants is advisable if you want the cuttings to root quickly and well. According to the University of California Davis, misting cuttings taken early in the season have an excellent chance of taking root and flourishing, faster than cuttings that don't receive misting. Greenhouses and nurseries have elaborate misting systems to accomplish this task; however, it's possible to adapt this method at home to root anything from vegetative plants like coleus or begonia, to woody ornamentals like azalea or rhododendron.

Step 1

Cut 4- to 6-inch cuttings with a sharp knife from the plant you want to propagate. Cut at a steep angle to make the widest surface possible for moisture and rooting hormone to enter the stem. Strip away any leaves on the bottom 2 inches of the cutting.

Step 2

Fill containers with vermiculite and moisten it thoroughly. Check to make sure the drainage holes in the bottom of the containers are functioning properly.

Step 3

Dip the bottom 2 inches of the cuttings in rooting hormone and tuck them into the containers. Place the containers in clear plastic bags.

Step 4

Fill an atomizer or spray bottle with a "fine" setting with water. Mist the planted cuttings in the bags until you see droplets forming on the inside of the bag. Close the top of the plastic bag and secure it with a twist tie.

Step 5

Place the bagged cutting in a warm room, in indirect light. Behind a window with a sheer curtain is ideal. Repeat Step 4 each day and cutting will root and begin sprouting new leaves in seven to 10 days.

Step 6

Decrease misting to every other day after rooting begins. When roots are fully established, remove cuttings from bags and replant in potting soil.