What you’ll need:
Young conifer branches (from this year or previous 2–3 years)
Sharp knife or pruners
Rooting hormone
A container with well-prepared soil
A transparent plastic bag
Step-by-step instructions:
Collect the Cuttings:
Take cuttings from the top parts of your conifers (e.g., Thuja 'Gold', spruce, etc.). You can use this year’s growth or slightly older twigs.Prepare the Soil:
Fill the bottom of your container with peat, then cover it with a layer of sand. This combo supports strong root development without compacting the soil.Trim the Cuttings:
For multi-year shoots, remove the side twigs from the main branch and cut them into approx. 5 cm sections. Remove the bottom needles (about 2.5–3 cm) so they don’t rot in the soil – this is where roots will form.For this year’s delicate shoots, cut the main stem just above a small side twig – no need to remove lower needles as the bottom part of the stem is already bare.
Apply Rooting Hormone:
Dip the base of each cutting in rooting powder, then gently insert them into the sand layer – only as deep as where the needles were removed. Press the soil slightly around each stem.Water Generously:
Water the container thoroughly until water briefly pools on the surface. This helps the sand settle around the cuttings and improves contact for rooting.Create a Humid Environment:
Cover the container with a clear plastic bag (but make sure it doesn’t touch the cuttings). Place it indoors on a windowsill with indirect light (north- or east-facing).Care Tips:
Once a week (or every two weeks), remove the bag, mist the cuttings, and optionally spray with a mild fungicide like Topsin to prevent mold.
Don’t forget to ventilate!
When will you see results?
By mid-October, you should notice pale new growth at the tops – a sign that rooting was successful! 🎉
💬 Have you tried conifer propagation before? Share your photos and experiences in our "Green Inspirations" group!
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