How to Grow a New Plant Without Planting Seeds

Overview

If you don't want to plant seeds, there are other ways to get new plants. Propagation of plants is accomplished in several ways including cuttings, root division, air-layering and growing from seed. The method you choose will depend on the plant you are propagating. Some plants can be propagated using several methods, others only one. The easiest way to grow a new plant without planting seeds is by taking softwood cuttings. Plants that root easily include camellia, English ivy, jasmine and azalea. The best time to take a soft wood cutting is between June and August.

Step 1

Pour the potting soil into the planting pot and water well, mixing the soil to ensure that it becomes evenly wet. Allow the excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot.

Step 2

Choose a branch from the plant that you wish to propagate. The best branches to use are those that snap when bent.

Step 3

Cut a half inch below the node (where the leaf joins the stem), at an angle. Your cutting should be 5 inches long. If you want to root more than one cutting, cut a longer branch and then cut it into 5-inch lengths, making sure that each section has two leaf nodes.

Step 4

Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Leave a few leaves at the top to help the plant with photosynthesis. Remove any flower buds from the cutting.

Step 5

Dip the cut end of the section into the rooting hormone up to the bottom inch. Tap the cutting on the side of the hormone container to remove any excess.

Step 6

Create a hole in the soil deep enough to bury the cutting so that two leaf nodes are under the soil. Pack the soil well around the cutting.

Step 7

Place the pot in the plastic bag and secure the top with a twist tie or rubber band and place it in a sheltered, well-lit area.

Step 8

Remove the bag once a week and spray the soil with fungicide. Your cuttings should root within three to four weeks, at which time the bag can be removed.