Some of the most common plants that are held at home can multiply for free with a cutting, even without being gardening experts. A simple, natural makeup and within anyone’s reach.
There is something truly surprising in looking at a plant while it changes. It almost seems that you speak, silent, but full of signals. A leaf that opens, a root that appears, a color that intensifies. And to know that a new plant can be given from one part? It almost makes us want to try immediately. This is where the cutting comes into play: no complicated formulas, only a cut at the right time and a little attention.
In a world where everything is bought and thrown away, the idea of multiplying what you already have becomes almost revolutionary. No need for sophisticated greenhouses or 200 pages manuals. A glass of water is enough, a bright corner and that small spark of curiosity that pushes to experiment. What if something goes wrong? Not bad. He tries again.
How the cutting works and why use it
In practice, it’s a bit like giving a second life to a plant. A piece is cut – maybe a sprig, a leaf or even a root – and you put it in a position to start over. It may seem one of those things from experts with always dirty with earth, but in reality it can also be done on the kitchen table, perhaps while expecting the water for the pasta to boil. The idea is simple: to offer the roots the right space and humidity to tick. You don’t need a greenhouse. A cut bottle, a jar forgotten somewhere, even an empty jar are fine. Some plants even seem enthusiastic to start this new chapter, as if they were only waiting for the right opportunity.
Small trick to keep in mind: sharp and clean scissors. Always. And then choose: water or earth? There is no fixed rule. Sometimes it is enough to observe the plant to understand which side wants to go. Some prefer to remain so far, others immediately sink into the soil.
The apartment plants that multiply better with a cutting
Not all are suitable, true. But there are some who really do everything to grow, even if only with a piece. Indeed, it almost seems that they don’t wait more. As soon as the systems in the water stretch, straightened, they immediately get to work.
Even those who have always said “with me the plants die” could be surprised. Here are the ideal candidates to begin with:
- Pothos: a plant that survives everything. Radic also with the air, almost.
- Delicious monster: Just a knot and a leaf, and leaves enthusiastically.
- Tradescantia: colorful, lively, perfect for seeing fast results.
- Coleus: spectacular leaves and lightning growth. A real performer.
- Basil and rosemary: Not only good, but also generous. And they make a scene on the windowsill.
Each cutting is a small experiment. Sometimes it starts immediately, others puts it a little. But the beauty is precisely this: don’t know exactly what will happen. And then, finding yourself with a new seedling is a bit like receiving an unexpected gift.
Errors to avoid and some more tricks
The cuttings are delicate creatures, at least at the beginning. They need stability. A repaired place, no drafts, a kind light. Better if filtered, like the one that enters a light tent in the morning.
A simple but effective trick? A transparent envelope above the jar, as if to create a mini greenhouse. It holds the humidity and makes the cutting feel safe. But be careful: every now and then you need fresh air, otherwise you risk mold.
The most difficult part? Wait. Some roots show themselves after two days, others take weeks. And when nothing happens? Don’t panic. Happens. Sometimes you make a mistake, sometimes the time. Or simply the cutting was not ready.
Each attempt is a small lesson. You don’t need to be botanical to understand it. It only takes a little patience, desire to learn and maybe a notebook to mark what it works. Over time you also learn to recognize the signals. And we realize that the green, after all, does not ask much.
Those who are passionate about the cutting then no longer stops. Because it is simple, satisfactory and a little therapeutic.
And above all because each new plant is a small miracle, made with their own hands.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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