How To Take Cuttings

How to take cuttings:

You can use any of these as your cuttings medium;

- Jiffys
- Eazyplug
- Stonewool
- Floraflex Incubator Plugs
- Aeroponic Cloner 

Taking cuttings can seem like a daunting task however its really easy once you understand the fundamentals, it is best to find a healthy and developed branch, using smaller and underdeveloped branches often leads to longer rooting times and decreased plant health. A common practice amongst growers is to use the main stem once the plant has reached their desired height, this ensures that the cutting will be in prime health as well as creating new shoots for the plant.

Unlike seeds cuttings can benefit greatly with added nutrients, it is best practice to use Biodiesel Aloevate when soaking your choice of plug or you can mix them together in water if you are using an aeroponic cloner. Aloe vera contains salicylic acid that has antibacterial properties that will get rid of any pathogens. Xtreme Gardening Azos is a naturally occurring beneficial bacteria that promotes growth and will make your plant producing rooting hormones, this will decrease the rooting time and increase the health of your plants.

The Azos can be mixed into a slurry, using 2 parts azos to 1 part water, dip the cutting into the mix and leave it for around 15 seconds before sticking it onto the cube / this can be done as an alternative to Cloning gels.

When you are cutting off the desired stem it is common practice to cut it on a 45° angle, however this will not make or break the plant. It is also common practice to scrape the cell wall away on the lower 1-3cm of the stem, this is also not a necessary step however we have noticed an increase of the chance to root.

Once your cuttings have developed roots and are ready to repot it is common practice to use Xtreme Gardens Mykos as a mycorrhizal inoculant, this is a special fungus that will establish a mutually beneficial relationship with your plant's roots. Mykos will improve water and nutrient uptake to increase the rate of growth of your plant.

After transplanting it is best practice to use a water solution consisting of Xtreme Gardening Versity and Azos, this will help your plant to cycle nutrients more efficiently and help to promote vigorous plant growth throughout its entire lifecycle.


Ideal Environment for Cuttings:

Temperature: 22°C-26°C
Humidity: 70-85% 
Light Cycle: 24hr ON


Steps to taking cuttings:

1. Find a suitable branch

2. Soak your jiffy, Eazy Plugs or Flex Incubator Cubes in water and Bio Diesel Aloevate

3. Mix your Xtreme Gardening Azos slurry (2 parts Powder to 1 Part Water)

4. Take your cutting from the Donor plant

5. Place the cutting tip into the Azos Slurry for 15 seconds

6. Place cutting into propagation cube

7. Fit dome lid and keep vents closed for the first 3 days

8. After around 10 days you should have roots

9. Step back and smile, you've just take your first cuttings - well done!