How I Root House Plant Cuttings

root houseplant

Have you ever received a gift of cuttings, leaves—or some hard-to-get plant, long on your want list, only to lose them in the rooting stage? It may be a painful experience.  Over the years, I have developed a set of rules that spell success in saving cuttings and newly potted plants. Granted, an individual fails … Read more

Propagating Rhododendrons: Learn To Grow Your Own

Blooming Rhododendrons

When it comes to Rhododendrons, amateur gardeners are eager to learn various techniques for growing these plants. Methods of increase are cuttings, air layering, grafting, layering, and raising plants from seed.  Except for grafting, these methods can work for the home gardener who wants to increase his stock of choice kinds. For the specialist, the … Read more

Christmas Cactus Propagation: Starting Christmas Cacti From Cuttings

Christmas cactus propagation infographic showing hand-twisting cutting method and growth timeline steps

Plant enthusiasts love having a range of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year. This is perhaps why Schlumbergera (shlum-BER-ger-uh), the so-called holiday cacti, especially the Christmas cactus, are so popular. Christmas cactus care is easy. This succulent begins blooming between late November and early December, providing colorful flowers into early Spring. It’s often … Read more