Can someone explain clippings

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janemarierose Utica, NY(Zone 4b) Oct 09, 2007

What do they mean when they say plant clippings?

whats the deal with that? you can start it with a clipping or purchase a clipping? is it a piece you plop in some soil ? Is it like a pruning clipping? why would you purchase a small piece of a plant instead of a seed?

I just don't understand this concept,,,, can any plant start from a clipping? How do you know if you have a good clipping? Is it jus flowers or can you start shrubs from clippings,,,,,i'm so confused

I think i am in over my head,,,,

janemarierose

Post #4063712
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katie59 Woodinville, WA(Zone 8b) Oct 09, 2007

Typically, you would get a clipping or cutting from someone on an informal basis. Some pieces of plants (young growth) will generate roots if subjected to the right conditions. This is cloning. Some plants are better than others (willow, for instance). Not all plants will do this.

Gardeners usually do what's easiest. Sometimes generating new plants from cuttings is easier. Think of putting houseplant pieces in water and having them generates roots. Sometimes it's easier to get plants from seed.

So cutting isn't a universal method of creating a new plant. It works in some cases with some plants - typically shrubs. You know that you have a good one if you know the plant and know the conditions it needs.

Is that helpful?

Post #4063731
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janemarierose Utica, NY(Zone 4b) Oct 09, 2007

so if my shrub is healthy,,, I should be able to take a clipping and drop it in some water and root it?

not a bad idea,,,,,, If i understand it right

JMR

Post #4063898
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katie59 Woodinville, WA(Zone 8b) Oct 09, 2007

Yes . . . except it depends on the shrub. And it might need some rooting hormone or willow water and a rooting medium, not just water.

That's the catch. Some plants need nothing but water, some need rooting hormone and a light material like vermiculite. The plant is vulnerable at this point and so some cuttings may not survive, so most people do a few.

You can google this. Here are'some sites with information and instructions. They also talk about other types of plant propagation as well.

http://www.healthrecipes.com/root_plants.htm

http://www.gardening-tips-perennials.com/plantcuttings.html

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8700.html

Post #4063943
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