Propagating plants from cuttings is one of the most rewarding ways to multiply your garden favourites. But not all cuttings are the same – and the timing of when you take them can make all the difference between success and failure. The three main types – softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings – differ in texture, season and use. Here’s a guide to when and how to use each type, with examples relevant to Indian gardens.

Softwood cuttings – spring and early monsoon growth

Softwood cuttings are taken from young, tender shoots that are still green and flexible. In most parts of India, this means late spring to early monsoon, when plants are actively growing and humidity is high – perfect conditions for rooting. Because the tissue is soft, these cuttings root quickly, but they also dry out easily and need consistent moisture.

How to do it:

• Cut a fresh shoot 5–10 cm long, just below a leaf node.
• Remove the lower leaves to expose a few nodes where roots can form.
• Insert the cutting into moist potting mix, cocopeat or perlite.
• Cover with a plastic dome or clear bag to maintain humidity.
• Keep in bright, indirect light – avoid harsh midday sun.

Good plants for softwood cuttings: coleus, hibiscus, basil, jasmine, money plant (pothos), and many indoor ornamentals.

Softwood cuttings are ideal when you want quick results, but they need careful attention to moisture and shade to succeed.

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Semi-hardwood cuttings – mid to late monsoon stability

Semi-hardwood cuttings, also called semi-ripe cuttings, are taken when the current season’s growth begins to firm up but is not yet fully woody. In India, this is usually from July to September, when the rains have slowed and new shoots start to mature. These cuttings strike a good balance between flexibility and strength, making them reliable for many shrubs and fruiting plants.

How to do it:

• Take a shoot 8–12 cm long, with the lower part slightly woody.
• Remove the lower leaves and trim large upper leaves to reduce water loss.
• Dip the base in rooting hormone (optional but helpful).
• Plant in a mix of sand and compost or cocopeat.
• Keep the medium moist and place the pot in partial shade.

Good plants for semi-hardwood cuttings: bougainvillea, ixora, curry leaf plant, guava, jasmine, and many ornamental shrubs.

Semi-hardwood cuttings are often the most dependable method for home gardeners, combining good rooting speed with a high survival rate.

Hardwood cuttings – winter patience and strength

Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature, woody stems during the plant’s dormant or resting period. In most Indian climates, this means late autumn to winter (November to January). These cuttings are best for deciduous shrubs, vines and trees, where the wood is firm and growth has slowed.

How to do it:

• Cut a mature stem 15–25 cm long with several nodes.
• Make a straight cut just below a node at the base and a slanting cut above a node at the top.
• Insert the cutting into soil or pots so that two-thirds of it is buried.
• Keep the soil slightly moist and place in a cool, shaded spot.
• Rooting may take several weeks to months, depending on the species.

Good plants for hardwood cuttings: pomegranate, grapevine, rose, fig, hibiscus, and moringa.

Hardwood cuttings require patience – they root slowly but produce strong, resilient plants ready for transplanting in spring.

Choosing the right type for your plant

The type of cutting you choose depends on the plant’s growth habit and the season. As a general rule:

• Herbaceous plants: softwood cuttings.
• Shrubs and semi-woody plants: semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Woody trees and vines: hardwood cuttings.

By matching the cutting type to the plant and season, you’ll greatly improve your success rate and enjoy a thriving garden filled with your own propagated plants.

A simple experiment with lasting joy

Taking cuttings is both a practical and creative process. It helps you understand your plants more deeply and gives immense satisfaction when a small shoot grows into a new plant. Whether you choose softwood, semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings, the key ingredients are patience, curiosity and the joy of watching life take root in your own hands.