Propagating Aucuba: A Beginner’s Guide
Aucuba is a beautiful shrub that is easy to grow from cuttings. In fact, it’s one of the best plants for beginners to try their hand at propagation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate aucuba cuttings:
When to Take Cuttings
You can take aucuba cuttings almost any time of year, but you’ll get the best results if you take them in the spring or summer. In the spring, take cuttings from fast-growing stem tips. In the summer, take cuttings from semi-ripe stems.
Preparing the Cuttings
Cut 4-inch (10 cm) tips from the stems early in the day, before the sun has a chance to dry them out. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and cut the remaining leaves in half. This will help the cuttings to absorb water and nutrients.
Rooting the Cuttings
You can root aucuba cuttings in either water or rooting medium.
Rooting in Water:
Fill a jar with water and place the cuttings in the water. Make sure that the leaves are not touching the water. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. The cuttings will develop roots in about 2-3 weeks.
Rooting in Rooting Medium:
Fill small pots with a well-draining rooting medium. You can make your own rooting medium by mixing equal parts sand, vermiculite, and peat moss. Moisten the rooting medium before sticking the cuttings in.
Stick the lower half of the cuttings into the rooting medium. The leaves should not touch the soil. Place the pots in a plastic bag and seal the bag. Keep the bag in a warm, well-lit place, but out of direct sunlight.
The cuttings will develop roots in about 4-6 weeks. You can check for roots by gently tugging on the stems. If you feel resistance, the cuttings have rooted.
Potting Up the Cuttings
Once the cuttings have rooted, you can pot them up into individual pots filled with fresh potting soil. Water the cuttings well and place them in a bright, indirect light location.
Tips for Success
- Use sharp, clean tools to take cuttings.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem to prevent rot.
- Cut the remaining leaves in half to reduce water loss.
- Keep the cuttings moist but not soggy.
- Provide bright, indirect light.
- Be patient! It can take several weeks for cuttings to root.
With a little care and attention, you can successfully propagate aucuba cuttings and grow your own beautiful aucuba plants.
