How do I start new plants from cuttings of Hibiscus ?

Question

Would like to know how to start cuttings from an exhisting Hibiscus plant. Method, what time of year, or general procedure to start new plants. This plant has about a dozen stalks that start out about an inch in dia. at the base and taper up to about 4 ft. high. Should the leaves be removed from the cuttings?

Answer 1

In general, spring is a good time to take any cuttings. Take a 3 or 4 inch cutting from the growing tip of a branch. Remove the lower leaves from he bottom inch or 2 of stem. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone. It's available from the local garden center. If you get the powder, just dip it in for an inch or so. Place the cutting in moist potting soil in a pot with drainage, in a shady place. Keep the soil evenly moist. Water with a solution of rooting hormone once a week. In 2 or 3 weeks you should start to fell resistance if you pull very very gently on the cutting. This means that roots are forming and growing. Leave in the pot until roots come out the bottom if you've used a 2" or smaller pot. If the pot is larger, move the cuttings to small individual pots in about 8 weeks(2 months).

Answer 2

I like the other answers you've gotten. I'd add one more tip. When starting a cutting, roots grow out only from the place where a leaf (or branch) has been, called a bud eye.

Choose a stalk. Count down 7 bud eyes. Cut right BELOW (within 1/8" of) the 7th bud eye. Pull the leaves off of the bottom 3 bud eyes - that's the part you'll dip in the rooting hormone. Keep the leaves on the next 2 bud eyes (4th and 5th from the bottom). Trim off the top of the cutting right above (1/8") the 5th bud eye. The cuttings root better without having to support new growth (the top 2 sets of leaves).

I sometimes make a "greenhouse" out of a big cardboard box. Cut the top flaps off, turn upside-down. Cut a window out of each remaining side and the top leaving about an inch on the sides to hold it all together. Tape cling wrap over windows to hold in the moisture. Place over the top of your planted cuttings. Water often. Here in So Cal, I have to keep the cuttings out of the hottest afternoon sun.

Otherwise follow the instructions you got in the other answers.

I've done hundreds of rose cuttings this way and dozens of other plants. My family owned a rose nursery and I worked summers there growing up. Of course, we had a real green house there, but the cardboard box will do for a small job.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You can try this now...split a woody stem about half way through, then split up about 3 inches...stuff the spit with damp peat moss, wrap a plastic bag filled with damp peat moss around it and seal. With luck, in a few weeks, maybe more, you will see fine roots appear in the peat moss at the plastic. When sufficient roots appear, cut the "start" below the bag, carefully remove the bag, but leave the peat moss in place, plant in moist soil and keep in shade until plant has rooted well, Then introduce to full sun slowly.

Answer 4

Hi! great info.! I just bought my plant in a 3 gallon planter this year and of course replanted ina more stable environ.... however she has really grown thanks to regular feeding etc... I do have a japanese beetle problem that takes away from my enjoyment of the flowers. That is aother post I intend to do right after this... However, I suppose my plant is too inmature/"new" to start a new plant from, correct? I didn't even know this was possible so I really appreciate the info provided hee thus far!

Answer 5

Good answers for you in the responses above.

Comment on your question about time: I live in tropical/subtropical area. Have many hibiscus and have had good luck with rooting cuttings almost any time of year.
Might be better to do this in spring if you live in a zone with longer or harsher winters though.

Answer 6

Sorry, not doing plant questions today. I will eat them though. Hibiscus tea sounds really good right now.