Rhododendrons can be propagated by stem cuttings, layering, or grafting.
Stem cuttings
Take a cutting from a mature limb of the plant in late summer or early fall. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a warm, humid environment with indirect light. You can use a plastic bag or dome to increase humidity. Keep the cutting moist but avoid over-watering. Transplant the rooted cutting into the garden.
Layering
- While the shrub is actively growing, encourage roots to form on a stem while it’s still attached to the parent plant.
- This method can take up to two years to develop into a viable plant.
Grafting
- Graft a plant that is hard to grow onto a rootstock of a plant that is easy to grow.
- This method was the standard propagation technique before the 1950s and is still popular in Europe.
Tips Use clean tools to avoid rot, Ensure proper air circulation to prevent mold, and Monitor moisture levels.