Many plants – such as fuschsias – may be propagated from softwood cuttings. Do this in spring and summer.
- Collect non-flowering shoots, which root more readily (or remove any buds).
- Remove shoots up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, cutting off the stem above a bud on the parent plant.
- Place cuttings in a plastic bag and store in the fridge for a few days if you cannot prepare immediately.
- Trim the cutting to below a set of leaves.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the base of the cutting into hormone rooting powder or liquid.
- Insert cuttings into pots of cutting compost (half multipurpose, half grit), label and water. Use a stick to create the space rather than stressing the cutting.
- 9 cm (3 1/2 inch) pots take 3 cuttings.
- Place pots in a closed propagator with bottom heat or cover with a plastic bag and place somewhere warm indoors. Remove plastic or air propagator at least twice a week for 10 minutes to ventilate.
- Cuttings need good daylight but not direct sunlight.
- Keep soil moist until cuttings are well-rooted (in about 4-10 weeks).
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