Horticulture Principles and Practices

for rapid rooting. There are two basic types of cutting—terminal or tip cutting and basal
or subterminal cutting.
10.5.1 STEM-TIP (TERMINAL) CUTTINGS
In stem-tip cutting the tip of the stem is cut (or in some cases snapped with the fingers)
and used to produce a seedling. The piece cut is about 3 inches long and has leaves
(Figure 10–1). The leaves on cuttings may be reduced 1 /2 to 2 /3 to allow closer spacing in
the propagation bed, more effective misting, and reduce water loss. However, cuttings
with full leaves produce stronger roots more quickly. Terminal cuttings may be obtained
from herbaceous, softwood, semisoftwood, and hardwood plants. The cut may be made
at either the node or internode of the stem. Stem-tip cuttings produce seedlings much
more rapidly than stem-section cuttings.
10.5.2 STEM-SECTION CUTTINGS
Stem-section cutting (or simply stem cutting) is the asexual method of propagation
whereby pieces of stem material containing at least one bud are used for planting. The
difference lies in the type of wood from which the cuttings are made.
Softwood Cuttings
Softwood cuttings are made from soft tissues (nonlignified) of shrubs or deciduous
trees. They are taken from the new growth of the current season (spring growth). The
parent source should be actively growing and have leaves (Figure 10–2). The age of
the cutting material is critical. A suitable material is flexible but can snap when sharply
bent. Examples of plants that can be propagated by this method are rose, forsythia,
plum, dogwood, lilac, jasmine, boxwood, and azalea. Because of the presence of
leaves, these cuttings must be maintained under high humidity during root induction
to avoid desiccation. Softwood cuttings usually root more easily and faster than other
types of stem cuttings.
FIGURE 10–1 Stem tip cutting. (Source:
George Acquaah)
FIGURE 10–2 Softwood cuttings are made
from young leafy shoots from spring growth.
(Source: Peter Anderson © Dorling Kindersley)
10.5 Types of Cuttings 315