1. Choose the Right Stem
To take a cutting, select a healthy, semi-hardwood stem from your hydrangea plant. Ideally, the stem should be about 6 inches long and have no flower buds on it. Flowering stems can divert energy from rooting, so it’s best to choose stems without blooms.
Look for stems that are firm but still bend slightly. These are mature enough to root but not too woody to prevent root development.
2. Make the Cut
Using sharp, clean pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem). This is where the roots will start to form. Your cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long, and you’ll want to take multiple cuttings to increase your chances of success.
3. Prepare the Cutting
Remove the leaves from the bottom third of the cutting to expose the nodes where roots will grow. You can also trim the larger leaves at the top by cutting them in half. This reduces the water loss through transpiration while still allowing the cutting to photosynthesize.
4. Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional, but Encouraged)
To improve your chances of rooting, dip the cut end of the hydrangea cutting into rooting hormone powder or gel. Rooting hormone encourages faster and stronger root development, especially for hardwood cuttings like hydrangeas. Shake off any excess powder before planting.
5. Plant the Cutting
Fill a small pot or tray with well-draining, moist potting soil. Make a small hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil and gently insert the cutting, ensuring that the exposed nodes are buried beneath the soil. Press the soil around the cutting to hold it in place.
6. Create a Humid Environment
Cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag or place it inside a propagator to create a mini greenhouse effect. This helps to maintain a high humidity level, which is essential for rooting. If using a plastic bag, make sure it doesn’t touch the leaves by propping it up with small stakes or sticks.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged by misting it with a spray bottle regularly.
Clever Tip for 100% Success Rate
The key to getting a 100% success rate with hydrangea cuttings lies in bottom heat. Rooting hydrangeas benefits immensely from warmth at the base of the cutting. You can achieve this by using a seedling heat mat or placing the cuttings in a warm, sunny spot, such as a windowsill that gets indirect sunlight.
Bottom heat encourages faster and more consistent root development. However, be careful not to let the soil dry out too much or become too hot, as this could stress the cutting.
How Long Until Roots Form?
After following these steps, your hydrangea cuttings should start forming roots within 2 to 4 weeks. You’ll know your cutting has rooted when you see new growth or feel resistance when gently tugging on the cutting.
Once the roots have established, you can move the cutting to a larger pot or plant it directly in the garden. If you’re in a colder climate, it’s best to wait until spring to plant it outdoors.
Caring for Rooted Cuttings
Once your hydrangea cuttings have rooted, continue to care for them by keeping the soil moist and ensuring they receive bright, indirect light. You may want to keep them indoors or in a protected area until they’re strong enough to be transplanted into the garden.
By spring, your cuttings will be ready to take off and grow into healthy hydrangea plants, filling your garden with even more beautiful blooms.
