Geranium cuttings

[Eoghan]

I wish to propogate a geranium. There seem to be two schools of thought one in which you let the cutting dry for a day then plant. The other when you cut and plant straight away.

Which is best this is a precious specimen and I really want to have a backup cutting. I can probably get two cuttings from the parent plant at present.

[Martin H]

I assume it's a pelargonium? I'm in the "dry for a day" school, it seems to make them less likely to rot. There will be other opinions along in a minute though.

[Eoghan]

I was thinking as I wrote it that it allows the stem to "seal" against fungus. It is a cutting from a holiday on Crete, a discarded pile in a field but it has a beautiful double flower. Took me the better part of a year to root the cutting though so a wee bit nervous.

[nickdub]

I'm no expert on this but I usually leave a cutting for 30 mins or so on the bench before putting it in a pot of compost and covering with a poly bag - I'd say I get over 90% strike rate, which is more than good enough for my purposes.

[Peanut]

Again, assuming its a Pelargonium, not a hardy Geranium, I've always just cut a non flowering shoot off and popped it into a jar of water until it sprouts roots. Works for me! Your plant sounds small as well as precious, so I would wait until it's a bit bushier before taking cuttings. They romp away soon enough.

Good luck!

[boatsman]

If you're not sure just dip the end in rooting compound. I have just stuck the cut off piece of plant in a soil mix, watered it and left it in the shade.

[mcdood]

I don't bother waiting but don't cover with a poly bag, they are very prone to rotting. Pick a non-flowering stem if possible. Don't worry too much your parent plant should throw off plenty of cutting opportunities over the next few months.