PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS 



planted form buds which develop into new 

 plants. This method is only available for use 

 with plants which sucker freely from the roots. 



SELECTION OF CUTTINGS 



All stem- or leaf-cuttings when placed in the 

 soil form a callus over the lower or cut end from 

 which the new roots develop. Where stem- 

 cuttings are to be made, select a growing tip, 

 using care to choose one in which the wood is 

 beginning to harden but is by no means mature. 

 Cuttings of geraniums, coleus, and such soft 

 plants may be made of the soft growing tip, but 

 such cuttings under ordinary house conditions 

 are liable to decay instead of taking root. It is 

 best for use under house conditions to take a 

 cutting which has some well developed wood at 

 the base. 



PREPARATION OF CUTTINGS 



The cutting, before it is ready for the propa- 

 gating-box, should be trimmed (Fig. 25) with a 

 sharp knife through the joint or just below it. 

 Many plants will root at any point along the 



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