How do I draw and Illistrate the three Cutting types ?

Nov 20, 2016

Different Stages of Growth
by: Jacki

All of these cuttings are from different stages of growth, and usually, even though there can be some overlap, they are taken at different times of year.

Most often, the type of plant dictates what type of wood to use for propagation. Some do better from softwood cuttings, others won’t root without the wood being hardened off a bit, and other types lend themselves to being propagated in winter, from hardwood cuttings. Some of this depends on when the facility (greenhouse or propagating frame) is empty, and you have the time to put in a crop.

You should describe the type of cutting for a hardwood cutting, where on the plant it comes from, for example. This would be from dormant wood, without leaves. The important factor is if it’s had a certain amount of cold. Without this, some types of plant, Juniper for example, won’t root, no matter that the other factors, bottom heat, and so on are all present.

So, the Semi Ripe drawing would be of the top of middle of the stem of a plant, about a third of the way down. The soft top part of the stem would be discarded, same with the hard bottom part.

The Soft Stem cutting would be the top six or eight inches, minus an inch or so off the top which will be too soft.

Hard Wood cuttings are the easiest, as long as you get them all the right way up. Generally, the top of the cutting is cut straight across, the bottom on an angle. This makes it easy for the person sticking the cuttings to make sure they’re not upside down. Sometimes, there is a lag in time between collecting and preparing the cuttings, and sticking them.

You can see from the picture I’ve added where each type of cutting is from on a long stem. Hope that helps, good luck with your training!