Propagation Handbook

90 plant guides · A MerlinYes reference for preparing, rooting and potting on cuttings.

Start with the plant name on your label. Colour variants share a guide when their method is the same. Each guide explains how to prepare the cutting, choose a rooting setup and recognise when it is ready to pot on.

Soft stem cuttings · Semi-ripe cuttings · Dormant hardwood cuttings · Succulents and cactus cuttings · Rooting umbrella sedge in water · Advanced rooting trials · Grafting and budding

When your cuttings arrive

Unwrap and label each cutting promptly. Keep leafy stems from drying out. Let succulent wounds seal in dry shade before planting. Identify the original basal end of woody stems before trimming. Use clean tools, fresh medium and pots with drainage.

The guide for your plant takes priority over general advice. Plants with irritating sap, spines or toxic tissue need species-specific precautions. Never eat propagation material.

Soft stem cuttings

Semi-ripe cuttings

Dormant hardwood cuttings

Succulents and cactus cuttings

Rooting umbrella sedge in water

Cyperus alternifolius