There are a few steps to follow if you want to know how to root geraniums from cuttings, including time, container, mixture, and place, to name a few. Geraniums are prominent houseplants since they are very prolific, challenging, and straightforward to maintain in the UK.
Perhaps, you would want to learn how to root geraniums from cuttings because you’ve known that they’re also easy to propagate. In this guide, we’ll follow some simple steps in rooting geraniums from cuttings. Let’s delve further.
Steps In Rooting Geraniums From Cuttings
Growing geraniums from cuttings are exciting. It is because you can maintain the breed of the mother plant and ensure fresh flowers with the young plant. Don’t worry, though; the steps are straightforward. But, it would help if you had patience and passion for accomplishing the process.
#1 Selecting the right time to do the rooting
The best times to root geraniums in the United Kingdom are during late summer and early spring. But, it is worth noting that these plants don’t have a dormant period. No dormant period means that they can grow year-round without waiting for a specific time of the year. Perhaps, this is one of the most significant advantages if you have geraniums.
With the above mentioned, you can always do this process any time- autumn, summer, or spring. Still, you’ll be guaranteed a healthy cutting. But then, if you perform this process earlier, the flowers will bloom that summer. Later cuttings, on the other hand, will flower next summer.
#2 Choosing a healthy geranium
You can’t root an unhealthy shoot. You need to know which the healthy shoots are; those squat and fat shoots are a great idea.
If the plant appears healthy and it is not flowering, then it’s a good option. However, if you don’t have any choice, you can use the flowering shoot (though it should be your last option).
#3 Taking the cuts
In cutting the shoots, you need to have a sharp knife or a clean scalpel. Don’t use secateurs; it’s not ideal for cutting the shoots – it might crush them. When cutting, do it above the node or the leaf joint.
The shoot can be cut off at a length of around 3 to 4 inches. But if the plant is already tiny, the length to cut should be behalf.
#4 Trimming the cut
Get rid of the scales and leaves found in the base of the stalk. When trimming, make sure that it’s done just below the node. You can leave the leaves at the top (two or more will do).
Also, you can remove flower buds if you take the flowering shoot. For as long as one can find them in the bottom half of the cutting, remove them. Then, cut the stem below the node; it is where the plant’s hormone concentrated.
#5 Aiding the cut
Now, it’s time for you to decide whether or not you will use some aid for the cutting. Some planters use a rooting hormone to ensure root growth. Well, others recommend dipping the cuttings to honey; they use it as a rooting hormone. This process is optional, so the discretion lies to you.
To avoid root hormone powders, though. Geraniums do not need this kind of root hormone; it may hinder their growth.
#6 Preparing the containers
You can either use peat-based seed compost or cutting compost. If these organic matters are not accessible, you can always DIY using equal parts of sharp sand and peat.
In terms of the size, it depends upon the number of cuttings. For individual cuttings, you can use a container with a size of around 3 inches, while for up to 5 cuttings, you can opt for the 5 inches.
#7 Making holes in your potting mix
Get a pencil or dibble and use it to make holes in the potting mix. Anyway, you can use your finger; but make sure to clean it afterwards. It’s best to place the holes near the edges to be easier for water to drain later on.
#8 Inserting the cut and watering it
Cutting and watering are effortless; you have to insert the cut in your potting mix. Be slow and sure for the compost to keep its moisture, water the cutting. It should also be done lightly.
Overwatering can be detrimental to the cutting. If you cover it with water, there’s a risk of the growth of botrytis, a mould that can lead to decomposition and decay. Decomposition and decay will most likely hinder the growth of your geranium.
#9 Placing in the right spot
The cutting requires a warm place to live in. Remember, though, that it should not experience direct sunlight. Perhaps, a sunny windowsill will suffice. Also, you can use a propagator or a heating mat. For as long as the area shaded, it’s the best choice.
#10 Growing roots
When watering the cutting, make sure that you do it lightly. Also, keep the compost dry. Roots may appear within three days, depending upon the variety of the geranium. Others take it longer to root, especially if it’s cold.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to root geraniums from cuttings, it’s time for you to do it for yourself. As you can see, the process is very straightforward. Make sure that you follow each step religiously to get the best results.