Root Cutting

Root cutting involves using a section of a root system to grow a new plant. It is a form of asexual reproduction where a portion of the root is taken from a parent plant and placed under suitable conditions to stimulate new roots and shoots.

Step 1 - Choose a healthy and mature plant with well-developed roots. The parent plant should be free of disease or damage.

Step 2 - Carefully excavate the soil around the plant base to expose the roots. Choose a healthy side root that is thick enough to provide suitable cutting.

Step 3 - Using clean and sharp pruning shears or a knife, make a clean cut through the selected root. The cutting should typically be around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, depending on the plant species.

Step 4 - You may apply a rooting hormone to the cut end of the root.

Step 5 - Prepare a suitable soil mix such as a well-drained potting mix or a propagation tray filled with moist soil. Insert the lower end of the root cutting into the planting medium, ensuring that the upper end remains above the surface.

Step 6 - Gently cover the cutting with a layer of soil. Water the planted cutting thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture for root establishment.

Step 7 - Place the planted root cutting in an appropriate environment with suitable light and temperature conditions for the specific plant species. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Step 8 - Over time, the rooted cutting will develop new roots from the cut end and shoot from the upper end, growing into a new plant genetically identical to the parent plant.