Plant propagation is to reproduce, multiply or generate another plant. It is simple to see why a gardener, or anyone for that matter benefits from making one plant two, or even more. It is not so simple to explain all of the ways propagation can take place.

There are two main types of methods to propagate plants. Sexual propagation, which is the natural process a plant uses to make seeds with or without human intervention, and asexual reproduction, which is broken into various sub-categories of techniques. Asexual propagation also sometimes called vegetative propagation can be done by cloning using cuttings, dividing, layering, or grafting.http://www.mrgrow.com/Tips/tip597.htm

Which method you choose to use depends on how quickly you want to reproduce the plant, what type of plant you are trying to reproduce and just plain old personal preference.

This simple guide on how to propagate plants will cover the basics of each method to give you a general understanding of how to reproduce a plant using each method. Some methods are more complicated than others are and may require further reading for a mastery of the skill. Botany can be as shallow or deep a topic as you are willing to dig.

Sexual propagation of plants is the most commonly seen method. This is because it is also the least work intensive and simple method. Sexual propagation of a plant begins with pollination. (This is assuming you have an existing plant, otherwise your process would begin and end with a seed see How to Plant Plants.)

Pollination:

Pollination is achieved by taking pollen from the stamen of a flower and placing it on the stigma. Stamen will be tube or stalk like appendages just inside the petals of the flower with sticky bulbs of pollen at the end. The stigma is the uppermost part of the pistil that will be in the center of the flower.

Plants can be self-pollinated meaning the pollen from one flower is used to pollinate the same flower’s stigma, or cross-pollinated which means the pollen from a different flower is used to pollinate another plant. Cross-pollination makes for stronger plants. http://www.mbgnet.net/bioplants/pollination.html

In many cases, plants can be pollinated with no human interference. Wind, bugs and animals can all pollinate a plant. If you want to ensure pollination hand pollination can also be performed. If you desire to self-pollinate shaking the plant 2-3 three times a day while in bloom is sufficient. For cross-pollination take a paintbrush and gently brush the stamens of the plant until pollen is visible of the bristle, and then paint this pollen in the stigma of the plant you wish to pollinate. http://hubpages.com/hub/Self-Pollination-Hand-Pollinate-How-to-Pollinate-Plants-Manually

Seed Collection:

Soon after pollination your flower will die and either fruit will appear or a seed pod. In the case of a seed pod, wait until the pod becomes dry and paper-like and then use a paper bag and scissors to collect the pods. Place the paper bag in a dry location for two to three weeks. Once dry simply tap the seeds out of the pods. In the case of fruit simply remove the seeds when the fruit is ripe and ready to eat. Now you have seeds to propagate another plant.http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/propagation/techniques/HowToHarvestSeed.aspx?page=2http://www.kidsgardening.com/growingideas/PROJECTS/aug04/pg1.html

Now that you have the seeds; they need to be germinated and planted.http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/mg/manual/prop.htm For a full guide on this process see How to Plant Seeds and How to Grow Seeds.

Cloning Plants:

The second most common method of plant propagation is called cloning or cutting. This method entails taking a piece of one plant and growing it into another plant. Cloning is a great method if the plant you want to reproduce is not your own. Be sure you ask the owner before taking a cutting.

Cuttings can be taken in a number of ways for cloning. They are as follows:

Stem Cuttings:

Using sharp scissors detach a piece of stem 2-6 inches in length. Clear leaves from the base and place in soil. You may also dip the end in rooting hormone if desired.

Leaf Cuttings:

Detach a single leaf, dip in rooting hormone and plant. Leaf cuttings will not work on all plants.

Root Cuttings:

Dig up the parent plant when dormant and cut a large piece of root mass 2-3 inches in length. Re-plant parent plant and root section. This method also may not work in all plants.

You may also start many plants in water until roots are well established. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-37web.html

Separating Plants:

Also sometimes called dividing propagation separation propagation is incredibly simple and used in tuberous plants such as tulips and shamrocks. Simply dig up the plant, chop the entire root system into separate clumps, and replant.http://www.mastergardenproducts.com/gardenerscorner/new_page_4.htmhttp://www.mrgrow.com/Tips/tip597.htm

Layering Plants

Some plants can be easily propagated using this method as they naturally reproduce in a similar manner. Simply bend a stalk of the plant into the ground, wait for it to grow roots and detach it from the parent plant.

Other plants can be forced to layer propagate, this is called air layering. To use this method split the stem of the plant about 2/3 of the way through. Wedge moss into the wound and wrap with more moss covered by a dark plastic bag. Keep the moss moist until new roots begin to grow. Once roots are well established detach the portion the rest of the way and plant.http://www.mastergardenproducts.com/gardenerscorner/new_page_4.htm

Grafting Plants:

Grafting is the most difficult method of propagating a plant. This method doesn’t necessarily form a new plant either, rather combines more than one plant. Using grafting you can have one tree grow five different types of fruit.

Grafting can be done in a number of ways. You can read about all the ways in the source to this section as only the easiest method will be covered here. That method is called whip and tongue grafting. When grafting the plant you are attaching the new plant to is called the rootstock and the plant you are attaching is called the scion. Make a 2 1/2 inch long diagonal cut at the top of the rootstock. Then make a matching cut on the bottom of the scion. On the cut surface, slice downward into the stock and up into the scion so the pieces can interlock like puzzle pieces. Fit the pieces together securely and as close as possible. Finish by wrapping with plastic graft binding tape. Over time the two will grow together.http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/propagation/grafting.html