How to propagate Avocado plant from Cuttings

Avocado, with its creamy texture and rich taste, is a favorite fruit for many. If you're an avocado enthusiast looking to expand your avocado orchard or simply grow a new tree from a cutting, you're in the right place. Propagating avocado from cuttings is an exciting and rewarding gardening endeavor. In this blog, we'll explore the step-by-step process of propagating avocados from cuttings, as well as the role of root hormones and natural aids like aloe vera.

Things you will need

• Pruning shear/cutter
• cuttings from avocado
• aloe vera
• plastic bag or bottle cut from one side
• pot with soil
• water

Propagating Avocado from Cuttings:

1. Selecting the Right Cuttings: Begin by selecting healthy cuttings from a mature avocado tree. Choose stems that are about 8 to 10 inches in length and have at least three sets of leaves. The cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood growth, which is neither too young nor too old.

2. Preparing the Cuttings: Trim the leaves on the lower half of the cutting to reduce water loss through transpiration. You can also cut larger leaves in half to minimize moisture loss. Make sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent damage.

3. Rooting Medium: Avocado cuttings can be rooted in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Fill a container with the rooting medium and water it well before planting the cuttings.

4. Rooting Hormones: Rooting hormones, such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), can encourage the development of roots on the cuttings. Dip the cut end of each avocado cutting in a rooting hormone powder before planting. This helps stimulate root growth and increases the chances of successful rooting.

5. Planting the Cuttings: Insert the treated end of the cutting into the rooting medium, burying it about 2 to 3 inches deep. Gently press the medium around the cutting to hold it in place.

6. Creating a Mini-Greenhouse: To create a humid environment that aids root development, cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bottle or a plastic bag. This mini-greenhouse helps retain moisture and prevents excessive transpiration.

7. Providing Light and Temperature: Place the container in a location with bright, indirect light. Maintain a consistent temperature between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) for optimal root growth.

8. Watering: Keep the rooting medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the cuttings occasionally to maintain humidity inside the mini-greenhouse.

The Role of Root Hormones and Aloe Vera:

1. Rooting Hormones: Rooting hormones contain growth-regulating substances that stimulate root development. By using rooting hormones, you enhance the chances of successful root formation, which is crucial for the cutting's survival and future growth. You can also use the rooting harmones available naturally. Please see https://www.softpost.org/agriculture/natural-rooting-hormones-to-grow-plants-from-cuttings

2. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel can be applied to the cut end of the stem before planting. Aloe vera has natural antiseptic and moisturizing properties that can help prevent infections and reduce stress on the cutting. It also acts as a protective barrier against pathogens.

3. Banana and Onion: Some people use Banana and Onion around root but these practises have not been proven scientifically.