PLANTS FROM CUTTINGS 



39 



either horizontally or with the 

 lower end down. 



Some hardy perennial flowering 

 plants are also propagated by root 

 cuttings. If you will cut a few of 

 the thick roots of a clump of Per- 

 ennial Phlox this fall, then next 

 spring lift the clump for division, 

 you will find that buds have de- 

 veloped on the cut ends of the Stem Cutting ' Be onia - 

 severed roots. If carefully planted, these will give new plants 

 of the same varieties. 



A somewhat similar method of propagation by cuttings is 

 illustrated in the case of the common potato, which is a tuber, 

 or thickened underground branch, whose eyes are buds. 

 When planted, each potato is commonly cut into several 

 pieces in order that many new plants may develop from a sin- 

 gle tuber. Each one of the parts thus cut off is a tuber cutting. 

 Even leaf cuttings may be made in the 

 case of several kinds of house plants. 

 This is one of the best ways of propagat- 

 ing certain sorts. A good example is 

 the gloxinia, the leafstems of which root 

 readily in water or in moist sand, while 

 buds form on the leaf ribs. The thick 

 leaves of many of the begonias also take 

 root readily, and the leaves are commonly 

 utilized for growing new plants. 



Early in autumn it is possible for any 

 one to start a fine garden in-doors with 

 Gloxinia Leaf Cutting. slight expense. Most of the tender plants 



