Propagation by Root Cuttings

Propagation by Root Cuttings

Here is a tip on how to obtain a plant of the more difficult to propagate native deciduous azaleas.

Once you have identified a special native deciduous azalea that you would like a copy of, carefully remove soil from around the base of the plant while searching for one of the plants roots. An acceptable root should be somewhat larger in diameter than a wooden pencil. Once such a root is found proceed to trace the root away from the plant until the diameter of the root is about the size of a wooden pencil (about 1/4 of an inch in diameter). At this point sever the root from the plant.

Here are two options:

1. Take the root end not connected to the plant and position it so that about one inch of the severed root extends above the soil level. Leave the root in place until new top growth is established, then transplant to its new home.

or

2. Dig around the severed portion of the root so that it can be removed. Pot the root mass in a horizontal position with a third to quarter inch of soil cover and with the severed end in a near vertical position, leaving about one inch of the root above the soil.