| I'd like to take cuttings from my geranium. Where do I cut the stem? |
| You can propagate geraniums from leaves and from stem cuttings. Just pull a leaf down until it separates from the stem, lay it out flat on moistened potting soil, anchor it down with a bent paper clip, and place it in a bright windowsill (away from direct sunlight). Keep the soil moist and in a few weeks a new little leaf will appear above the stem of the old leaf. For stem cuttings, remove one full stem from the plant and cut it into 3-4 inch pieces, each with a node (leaf scar) about mid-way. Let the ends callous over for a few days and then lay the cutting lengthwise on top of moistened potting soil. Cover with additional soil so only the node is exposed. Place in a bright location and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once the stem has rooted it will produce a new stem and leaf from the node. To keep your geranium plants looking attractive, pinch back the faded blossoms, including some of the old stem. This will encourage new flowering stems to grow, and keep the plant bushy instead of rangey. |
