Starting UNIVERSITY PARK (Centre Co.) For most backyard gar deners, the best way to start a plant is to drive to the nearest greenhouse and buy one. Howev er, a scientist in Penn State’s Col lege of Agricultural Sciences says savvy plant lovers can save money and have fun by starting their own plants from cuttings. “The reason plants can take root from cuttings is that each cell in the plant has all the genetic infor mation necessary to produce a complement plant,” explains Robert Berghage, assistant profes sor of horticulture. “When a cut ting is taken by snipping a por tion of the plant stem, we are removing the connection between the stem and the roots.” As a result, the snipped plant has had its growth patterns are governed by plant hormones pro duced in the leaves, stems and Plants From Cuttings Is Slice-OMJfe Gardening cutttolffc more steps to get them to root. m absolute requirement for prop- ling's oxygen. Using a sterile * Do not let the cutting dry out iSaedand PTT n longer travel back and forth Th® Plant has lost its roots, the Use a sterile, well aerated ana . Provide high humidity and 11 normal source for water, so gar- moist rooting medium. “Sucking a reduced light. Water loss thorugh deners must provide water or cuttin g in water prevents it from the leaves can be reduced by rais in reduce the rate of water loss. out . but also restricts j ng the humidity around them. • Use a rooting hormone. App- *•» availabUity of oxygen to the Water loss also can be reduced by lying rooting hormone will speed sni PP®d end * which makes il hard reducing light levels. “Cover the Sdtn up the process by reducing the for healing and new growth to cuttings with a plastic bag to pro time required to generate thehor- occur.” Berghage says. He recom- vide high humidity.” advises replace tne missing roots. mona] changes plant needs to mends using growth media such Berhgage. “If you reduce light Berghage points out that the change iB as vermiculite, perlite, floral foam levels, just remember you must rimi m a g n^rTn P n r? ES SS* some plants, a rooting hormone is or a good potting soil to provide have enough light for the plant to time, and gardeners must be vigil- water without depleting the cut- grow ” ant in caring for plant cuttings. “In its simplest form, cutting production means taking a snip of a plant stem, sticking it in some water, and letting it develop new roots,” Berghage says. Although some plants, such as geranium, coleus, oleander and mint can be propagated using this method, Berghage explains that many other plants requier a few Ag Progress Section 2, Lancaster Farming, Saturday, August 9, 1997—Page BUY. SELL. TRADE OR BENT THROUGH THE PHONE; 717-626-1164 or 717-394-3047 FAX 717-733-6058 Mon., Tuch., Wed,. Fri. 8 AM to 5 PM; Thurs. 7 AM to 5 PM 263
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