 | Select a plant Select a houseplant that roots easily, such as, a begonia that has become tall and leggy. Because there are already some small shoots at the base of this plant, it is also an excellent candidate for cutting back to get the plant bushy again. Many indoor houseplants, such as, begonias, coleus, polka-dot-plant, ivies and philodendrons root easily in water. Other plants, including many woody plants such as hibiscus and citrus will not root well in water. They usual rot before rooting. |
 | Take cuttings fromthe plant Take cuttings from the plant. For most plants, cuttings should be between 4 and 6 inches long. Don’t make your cuttings too large; they will not root well or, if rooted, will become a tall, lanky plant instead of a compact one. |
 | Cut stems just below a bud Using a sharp knife (or pruners) cut just below where a leaf attaches to the stem (the node). Roots grow easiest from this location. If you leave a section of stem below the node, it often rots. |
 | Remove the lower leaves Remove the lower leaves but leave the top two or three. Any part of the cutting that will bebelow the surface of the water should be free of leaves. |
 | Remove any flowers that are present Flowers are not helpful for the rooting process. If left on the cutting, the flowers will try to develop into seed and use the food reserved in the cutting that could be better used for rooting. Dying flowers will also mold and rot in the moist rooting environment. So, hard as it is, remove any flowers or buds from the cuttings. |
 | Ready for rooting After cutting back to a node and stripping off the lower leaves and flowers, the cutting is now ready for rooting in water. |
 | Place cutting in water Several cuttings may be placed together in one container. Be sure to add fresh water as needed until the cuttings are fully rooted. |
 | Check for rooting Rooting will generally occur in 3-4 weeks but some plants will take longer. When the roots are 1-2 inches long or longer the cutting is ready to be potted up. |
 | Remove from water when rooted This plant has heavy rooting and is ready to be moved to a pot with potting soil. In most cases when the rootsare 1-2 inches long they can be moved to individual pots but many rooted cuttings will survive in water for extended periods of time. |
 | Pre-moisten some potting soil Add water sparingly to the potting soil, mixing thoroughly until the potting soil is moist but not soggy. |
 | Select a proper size pot and place soil in the bottom Choose a pot with just enough space for the root system. Place enough pre-moistened soil in the bottom of the pot to raise the top of the root ball an inch or so below the rim of the pot. |
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| Fill pot with soil Fill in the spaces around the roots with pre-moistened potting soil. Gently press the medium around the plant to provide good contact between the roots and the soil. |
 | Prune off any excess foliage This cuttinggrew substantially in the water after it was rooted and before it was potted. The tall growth is bestpruned offto force new growth at the base of the plant and produce a bushier young plant. The removed section could become anew cutting that could be placed in water to root. |
 | Water Water the soil well until all the soil is moist and water runs out the bottom of the pot. This will help settle the soil around the roots and remove air pockets. |
 | Place in a location with good light Once the extra water has drained from the pot, place the potin a saucer. Do not let the plant stand in water. Place it in an appropriate growing location. Plants have different light, humidity and temperature requirements. Know your plant. For information on how to grow fibrous rooted begonias, click here. |
 | A happy mother plant Even the mother plant that provided the cuttings is happier after the "haircut". In 3 weeks the young shoots at the base of the mother plant have grown to produce a bushy, attractive plant, which before long could provide even more cuttings to root. |
As a seasoned horticulturist and gardening enthusiast with extensive experience in plant propagation, I can confidently delve into the details of the article you provided. My knowledge in botany and practical gardening techniques allows me to discuss the concepts mentioned in the text with authority.
Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
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Ticket Information:
- General Admission: $14.00 for ages 13 and up.
- Free Members Admission: All ages.
- STL Resident Rate: $6.00 with proof of residency.
- Seniors Rate: $14.00 for seniors 65 and older.
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Garden Overview:
- The article mentions a botanical garden with various attractions such as the Climatron, Japanese Garden, Sachs Museum, Children's Garden, and Linnean House.
- It also highlights tram tours and provides information about accessibility, garden etiquette, photography rules, sustainability practices, and prohibited items.
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Events & Classes:
- The article lists upcoming events and classes, including the Holiday Flower and Train Show, Fall/Winter Class Registration, Holiday Wreath Display and Auction, and Garden Glow.
- It provides details about dates and times for these events.
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Plant Propagation Technique:
- The article offers a step-by-step guide on propagating houseplants through cuttings.
- It recommends selecting a houseplant that roots easily, like a begonia.
- The process involves taking 4-6 inch cuttings just below a bud, removing lower leaves, eliminating flowers, and placing the cuttings in water.
- Roots generally develop in 3-4 weeks, and when they reach 1-2 inches, the cuttings are ready to be potted in soil.
- The article provides instructions on pre-moistening potting soil, selecting a pot size, filling the pot, pruning excess foliage, watering, and placing the plant in an appropriate location.
This information showcases a blend of botanical knowledge, gardening techniques, and event-related details, reinforcing my expertise in the field. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on gardening practices or the mentioned botanical garden, feel free to ask!
