The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

CUTTINGS

Cuttings are twigs, shoots, or other parts cut from plants and inserted in soil so that they may take root and become perfect plants of the same kind as those from which they are cut. The root that a cutting acquires when planted is commonly a developed bud, and the cutting selected has generally a bud near its base; but there are plants that may be readily propagated from a leaf or part of a leaf. Many trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are readily propagated by cuttings - for instance, willows, gooseberries, pinks, geraniums, - but others take root or strike less easily, and in general a specially prepared soil is advisable, though many plants will strike in common garden soil. The soil most commonly employed is silver sand, alone or mixed with earth; and brick-dust, powdered charcoal, burned clay, and other substances are also employed to encourage the rooting of the cuttings; while certain conditions of temperature, moisture, light and shade, shelter, etc, must be attended to.
Research Cuttings