======Asexual Propagation in Plants======


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**Alternative titles:** Plant Propagation by Cuttings
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Gather materials: stock plants (such as coleus, pothos, begonias, geraniums, or wandering jew), scissors, clean bottles, water, and moist soilless mix.  
  - Prepare two bottles for each student: one filled with water (“the vase”), and one with moistened soilless mix (“the pot”).  
  - Use clean scissors to cut two stem cuttings, each 4–6 inches long with at least four leaves. Remove the bottom leaves.  
  - Place one cutting into the vase with water (ensuring a node is submerged) and the other into the potting mix (with at least one node below the surface).  
  - Keep the soil moist and water levels consistent. Mist or tent the cuttings to maintain humidity.  
  - Monitor growth daily. Record when roots appear and measure root number, length, and mass after 2–3 weeks.  
  - Compare root growth between water-grown and soil-grown cuttings.  
  - Summarize findings and discuss conclusions about root development and plant propagation.



====Links==== 
Asexual Reproduction in Plants (Bulbs, Runners, Tubers) - Justin Firenze: 
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📄 Make New Plants and Keep the Old (Asexual Propagation) - Kids Gardening: [[https://kidsgardening.org/resources/lesson-plans-asexual-propagation/]]\\


====Variations====
  * Test the effect of light on root growth by covering some pots or vases with dark paper.  
  * Try different plant species to see which propagate best.  
  * Explore other propagation methods, such as division or layering.  
  * Visit a nursery or invite a grower to demonstrate professional propagation techniques.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Adults should cut the tops off plastic bottles.  
  * Use clean, sharp scissors carefully to avoid injury.  
  * Wash hands after handling soil or plant material.  
  * Dispose of plant material responsibly.




====Questions to Consider====
  * What is asexual propagation? (A way to make new plants from cuttings or divisions without seeds or pollination.)  
  * How are plants propagated by cuttings different from those grown by seeds? (They are clones, genetically identical to the parent plant.)  
  * Why is it important to use clean scissors and sterile soil when making cuttings? (To reduce the risk of infections and rot.)  
  * Did cuttings grow roots faster in water or soil? Why might that be?  
  * How does humidity affect the success of cuttings? (Higher humidity prevents cuttings from drying out before roots develop.)  
  * What are some advantages and disadvantages of asexual propagation compared to seed propagation? (Advantages: fast, identical offspring. Disadvantages: less genetic diversity, higher risk of disease spread.)  
  * How is plant propagation important in agriculture and gardening? (It allows growers to reproduce desirable plants reliably and on a large scale.)