Propagating Scented Geraniums (Pelargoniums) by Cuttings

Hi Lovelies,

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a total novice at this whole “plant propagation” thing. But, now that I’ve been successful with scented geraniums (pelargoniums), I feel like I’m at least allowed to share my experience with taking and rooting cuttings for the first time.

The good news is that I made a video showing the whole process! The bad news is, that in the process of taking the video, I almost completely forgot to take all of the pictures that I needed! One of these days, I think I’ll finally get the hang of this “social media” stuff – but until then, I’m trying my best! Let me know in the comments below whether or not you have any experience with scented geraniums. If so, which is your favorite? Do you have any tips or tricks about taking cuttings for the garden? I’d love to know them! Hope you’re having a really great day!

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This geranium that I got in the mail was looking not-so-healthy. I felt like I needed to take some cuttings, just in case something happens. The first step is to find a branch with a growth tip. This is pretty easy – just look for a place that looks like it has new leaves growing from it. You’ll notice that the base of my plant looks really “woody” (or brown). I don’t want to take cuttings from the brown bit, I want to use the green portion of the stem. The ideal place to take the cutting is directly below a leaf joint. After the cut or pinch has been made, I go ahead and remove the leaf and any other foliage that will be in contact with the soil. This helps to prevent the cutting from rotting.
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I stick my cutting into a cup of moist compost. A lot of sources online mention putting the cutting around the edge of the pot to help it root, but I just stuck mine in the middle and everything worked out fine. Unlike a lot of other plant cuttings, geranium don’t seem to like the use of rooting hormone or a humidity dome. All I do is place my cuttings on my heat mat in a bright window with my low-powered cheap grow light. After about a week and a half, my cuttings started to develop roots. I tend to take smaller cuttings, as less leaf mass means less transpiration for plants.

5 thoughts on “Propagating Scented Geraniums (Pelargoniums) by Cuttings

  1. I have successfully rooted scented geraniums in just a glass of water. A bit of the woody part can be good. Slash cut through the node (diagonally). Remove some leaves so that about 3 remain.

    Did you know there is a syndrome called propagationitis? I think I have that…. 🙂

    1. I knew they were easy, but I didn’t know they would root in water! Thanks so much for the info! I think I’m going to love propagation once I learn more!

  2. With all the gardening you do, how do you have such clean, and very attractive, finger nails?

    I seem to always have to use a crow bar to remove the dirt and grime from my finger nails after a day in the garden. 🙂

    1. Lol! That’s funny because it’s something I always notice. I hate when my hands are in pictures. I wish I had a secret, but I’m afraid that lots and lots of scrubbing is the only answer I’ve got! 🙂

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