Plant Propagation

New plants from “cloning” by runners and cuttings.

Also, an introduction to grafting.

Cloning – new individual grown from an adult that is identical to the adult

Runners Cuttings

Vegetative propagation is a form of reproduction of a plant. Only one plant is involved and the offspring is the result of one parent. New plants grow from parts of the parent plant. The new plant is genetically identical to the parent. (There are no seeds involved.)

Runners or StolonsSpider plants “babies” from an adult plant stem - not from a seed. Notice the developing roots.

Oxalis (Shamrock) Plant

Strawberry Plant

Plants that reproduce using runners from stems

Plants can grow new plants from “cuttings”

“Wandering Jew” plant A cutting of stem and leaves

Runners form naturally – cuttings are usually done by people, not naturally

Plant Cuttings

root growth from cutting stem

Cuttings can be made from stems, leaves or even roots

Tea Leaf cuttings

People use “grafting” to produce a plant with special characteristics

Part of one plant is “grafted” onto a different plant to get the best characteristics of each plant.

Most fruit trees do not come from seeds. The branches are grafted onto a younger/healthier tree to produce a “new” tree of that type. This is especially helpful in producing “seedless” fruit.

Fruit Tree Grafting

Two types of pears on the same tree.