How to Propagate Geraniums from Cuttings

Last Updated: November 2, 2022 Approved

Geraniums, otherwise known as "pelargoniums", are easily propagated from cuttings in spring and autumn. The great thing about growing from cuttings is that you can keep the type true to the parent plant and with new young plants, you can be guaranteed of a fresh profusion of flowers.

Steps

1
Choose the best time to do this. Early spring and later summer are the best times, but any time in spring, summer and early autumn (fall) will result in healthy cuttings. Early cuttings will flower that summer, while later cuttings will provide larger plants ready to flower the following summer.
2
Choose a healthy plant. Select shoots that look healthy and are not flowering. (It is possible to use flowering shoots if you have no choice but it's best to avoid them.)

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3
Take cuttings. Using a clean scalpel or sharp knife (secateurs can crush the shoots), cut off the shoot at a length of about 3-4 inches or 7.5-10cm. If the plant is a miniature, the length should be half that. Cut just above the leaf joint (node).
4
Trim the cutting to just below the node. Remove the lower leaves and scales at the base of the leaf stalks.^{[1]
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Research source} Leave at least two leaves at the top.
5
Decide whether or not to aid the cutting. Root hormone powders are not needed for pelargoniums, and indeed may be detrimental to their growth.^{[2]
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Research source} Some advise dipping the cutting in honey––that's up to you.
6
Prepare the growing containers.^{[3]
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Research source} Fill each container with cutting compost or peat-based seed compost. If you can't find these, make a mixture of equal parts of peat and sharp sand.
- Container sizes: It is recommended that you use a container about 7.5cm/3 inches for individual cuttings, or a 12.5cm (5 inch) for up to five cuttings.
7
Make holes in the potting mix using a dibble, finger or pencil. Near the edges is best for drainage purposes.
8
Insert the cuttings with care.
9
Water the cutting to make sure that the compost is moist.^{[4]
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Research source} The watering should be very light and avoid covering the cuttings with water, to avoid the growth of botrytis.
10
Place in a warm spot. The cuttings need a warm place for rooting. Preferably use a heating mat or propagator but a warm, sunny windowsill will do the trick, provided they're shaded from direct sunlight (choose the side of the house without direct sun hitting it), or a shaded window. If the cuttings have bottom heat, cold air won't be such an issue for them.
11
Water lightly as the roots develop, mainly when there is sign of wilt in the cuttings. On the whole, keep the compost dry. Do your best to avoid getting water on the actual cuttings. You may see roots appearing within three days for some varieties, longer for others and longer if the air is cool. New top growth will appear once the roots form and if you tug the cutting gently, it will stay in place (thanks to its new roots).
- If you planted several cuttings to a pot, transfer to individual containers once they have developed roots.
- Rooting should start between a week to a month after taking the cuttings.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I make my geranium plant less long?

Community Answer

If you're asking how to keep your geraniums shortened, you can cut them back when necessary.
Question

Do I take the growing tip out of my geranium cuttings once they have rooted?

Community Answer

You can cut the top of the geraniums out once they have rooted as this creates a bushier plant with more foliage.
Question

Should I keep disbudding until the cuttings are a good size?

Community Answer

Yes. At this point, you want the plant to concentrate its energy on root development, not on producing flowers.