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Introduction:
Propagating plants from cuttings is a satisfying and cost-effective way to expand your garden. But what if you could root almost any type of cutting—herbs, shrubs, or even woody stems—with just a single, everyday ingredient? Whether you’re new to plant propagation or looking for a more natural method, this simple technique offers a powerful, chemical-free solution using just one item from your kitchen pantry.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder
Plant cuttings (any healthy stem or branch from the plant you wish to propagate)
Clean water
A small jar or container
Potting soil (for later transplanting)
Instructions:
Select a Healthy Cutting:
Choose a non-flowering, green stem that’s 4–6 inches long with at least one node (the part where leaves emerge). Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to snip it just below a node.
Remove Lower Leaves:
Strip off any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to avoid rotting when submerged in water or inserted into soil.
Dip in Cinnamon Powder:
Moisten the cut end of the stem slightly, then dip it into cinnamon powder. Cinnamon acts as a natural rooting hormone and has antimicrobial properties that prevent fungus and bacteria from attacking the cutting.
Plant the Cutting:
For Water Propagation: Place the cutting in a jar filled with clean water. Make sure no leaves are submerged. Change the water every 2–3 days.
For Soil Propagation: Stick the cinnamon-coated end of the cutting into moist potting soil. Water lightly and cover loosely with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect.
Wait for Roots to Form:
In 1–3 weeks (depending on the plant), roots should start to grow. Once roots are at least 1–2 inches long, the cutting is ready to be transplanted into a pot or garden bed.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Once rooted and transplanted, the new plant can be cared for like a mature one. Introduce it gradually to sunlight if it was propagated indoors.
Storage: Cinnamon should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place so it stays potent for future propagations.
Variations:
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