Smallanthus maculatus - best time for cuttings?

[Paul S]

Stem tips? Woody bottoms? Divide the clump?

[AndyC]

My previous success has come from breaking off new basal shoots in the spring when they are at about 10-15cm in length.

[Chad]

It is forgiving.

What we used to call Irishman's cuttings [now basal cuttings of new growth taken from below ground level] work in the spring. I've not done well with tip cuttings once there are stems, but bi-nodal stem cuttings of anything from 'firming up' down the stem to 'woody' strike almost 100%.

I'm sure the clump could be split in spring, but that looks like harder work!

Chad

[Paul S]

Thanks Chad, Andy. I might try a woody cutting this year then, when that fails, something from gound level in spring! :lol:

[MartinNicklin]

One of the easiest plants to grow from cuttings. Chop off about a foot. Stick in a pot. No rooting powder needed. No misting needed. No heat needed. Always roots. Grows on very fast.
PS you ask about best time. Took mine a few weeks ago and thev've already out on about 6" .

[Paul S]

One of the easiest plants to grow from cuttings. Chop off about a foot. Stick in a pot. No rooting powder needed. No misting needed. No heat needed. Always roots. Grows on very fast.
PS you ask about best time. Took mine a few weeks ago and thev've already out on about 6" .

I must be a complete idiot as my previous attempts led to the cuttings - put in water - going rotten. One reason I like succulents, they are almost fool-proof.

[MartinNicklin]

No water needed Paul. Not even good quality compost. It amazes me how fast they take. These are a couple I took after just a few weeks:






No bottom heat or assistance other than they were put inside my flimsy plastic covered mini greenhouse and just left!

[Paul S]

I'll give it another go. :D

[Chad]

And cuttings work from the lower bits of stem, even without any leaves.

Chad

[MartinNicklin]

I think that’s how I received my original cuttings from you Chad!