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Phytomorphology & Propagation
Introductions & The Basics

Before learning how to propagate - we need to know a little bit about the crucial parts of a plant's morphology (aka Phytomorphology aka plant 'anatomy'). In this first section we will go over some of the basics that are a must-know before chopping that plant!

Phytomorphology - Propagation Basics

Axillary Bud: A raised bump on the stem by each node - often hidden by a petiole. Axillary buds are found on lower nodes (rather than the top - your apical growth) and on many houseplants will only become activated if the plant is chopped above or below the node it is present on.

Internode: The area on the stem between two nodes.

Stem: The main part of the plant that supports the roots and all other growth.

Leaf (aka Leaf Blade/Lamina): Includes the apex, margin, veins, and midrib.

Node: Raised ring around the stem where the petiole meets. Nodes contain everything needed to form new growth or to propagate a new plant!

Petiole: The “leaf-stem” that connects the leaf blade to the node on the main stem. 

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*Be sure to use the arrows on the gallery to see more labeled examples before moving on.

Phytomorphology - A Little Deeper

Root: Anchors the plant and absorbs water and nutrients.

Aerial Root: (A type of adventitious root) The roots a plant puts out above the soil for the purpose of climbing.

Apical (or terminal) Growth: This is the growth found at the very top of your plant and will emerge in a cataphyll or petiolar attached to your most recent petiole.

Cataphyll: This is what the newest leaf may emerge from. It will be attached to the most recent petiole and eventually wilt and fall off. (A cataphyll is technically a modified leaf that lacks a blade - made for the purpose of protecting new emerging leaves.)

Petiolar Sheath: Similar to a cataphyll - however, it is attached to a petiole itself, rather than being a separate part. Petiolar sheaths will not fall off later like cataphylls will. In fact, depending on the plant it may either stay green as part of the petiole, or turn brown and dry up.

 

*Be sure to use the arrows on the gallery to see more labeled examples before moving on.

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Rooting Techniques Overview
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Chop & Prop

The most common way of propagating from cuttings. Just chop, place in your preferred rooting medium, and wait for those roots!

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Pin & Chop

A less risky way of propagating. Simply wait for multiple nodes of your plant to root into its substrate, and chop between each one.

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Air Layering

A less risky way of propagating. Involves wrapping a node with moss or soil and waiting for roots before cutting from the plant.

Using Phytomorphology for Propagation

Knowing these very important parts are the key to successfully propagating your plants! For example, certain plants (such as Monsteras, Philodendrons, and many more) are only able to grow one new plant, or vine, from each node. This means that if these are cut twice from the same node - this node becomes 'spent'. It will no longer be able to produce any new growth. This is important when both propagating your own plants, as well as purchasing plants from buyers and making sure it's a viable cutting.

How to Propagate - Chop & Prop

  1. Locate a node.

  2. Find the internodes on either side (or one side) of the node. This is where you'll want to make your cut(s).

  3. Choose your method of propagation. ie. water, moss, soil, leca (my preferred choice is almost always water.)

  4. Sanitize any open cuts (my preferred product is Physan 20. I spray this directly on open cuts, as well as into the water I'm placing my cuttings into).

  5. That's it! Now you wait for those roots!

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*Be sure to use the arrows on the gallery to see more examples before moving on.

How to Propagate - Pin & Chop

  1. Find a vine you'd like to propagate by later chopping.

  2. Pin the vine into soil using floral pins, open paper clips, etc.

  3. Wait until the pinned vine starts to root into the soil (or other potting medium). Often roots do not grow from every single node. 

  4. Locate your nodes and chop on either side of the stem, making sure there is at least some roots on each cut section. In this case you may not be able to cut between every single node.

  5. That's it! Now you wait for new growth to come out of each of those sections you chopped!

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*Be sure to use the arrows on the gallery to see more examples before moving on.

How to Propagate - Airlayering

  1. Locate a node.

  2. Using plastic wrap and sphagnum moss, place damp moss around the node of your choosing and secure with plastic wrap. 

  3. Keep the moss damp by misting and wait for roots to grow.

  4. Once a decent amount of roots have formed, you can then chop on one side of the node (or either side, depending on the plant).

  5. You now have a rooted cutting with a little less risk!

  6. Sanitize any open cuts (my preferred product is Physan 20) and pot in the potting medium of your choosing!

  7. That's it! Enjoy your safely rooted cutting!

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*Be sure to use the arrows on the gallery to see more examples before moving on.

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