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Asexual Propagation

Asexual propagation is also known as vegetative propagation.  This type of propagation is where seed is not needed, but instead a portion of the vegetation is used for new growth.  Asexual propagation can be done in a variety of ways.  These ways include:

Cuttings – Cutting a portion of a leaf, stem, or root off the parent plant then replanting and therefore the plant begins to grow.  This is the most common and widely used form of vegetative propagation.

Grafting – Grafting is propagation by combining a scion of one plant and connecting it to the stock of another.  This form of propagation is primarily used with woody plants.  There are many forms of grafts that can be done for many purposes.  A few examples of these grafts are the cleft, tongue, and saddle graft.  An extension of grafting is also known as budding. Budding is the process of taking the bud of one plant and grafting it on to another.

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Layering – Layering is propagation by means of allowing the plants stolons or runners to root themselves and grow into their own plants.  Common plants that display this type of propagation are the vines and spider plants.  Air-layering is also a common type of layering.  This graft is done on a branch.  The branch is cut open then the opening is surrounded by a soil medium then all this is wrapped with plastic.  Once this is complete, roots should begin to form from the opening after a few weeks.  After roots are mature enough, the branch is severed from the parent plant and place in soil to grow on its own.

Division – Division is a less common type of propagation.  This type of propagation is separating a plant through the roots, then replanting the newly separated plants.