- Always use a clean, sharp knife to avoid damaging plant tissue.
- Make sure that all equipment, compost and containers are clean and sterilised to avoid introducing disease.
- Only take cuttings from healthy plants.
- Stem cuttings should be taken from non-flowering side shoots; these will root more easily than cuttings taken from the main stem.
- Plant the cutting as soon as possible after taking it.
- Do not use too much rooting powder as this may damage immature tissue.
- For added protection, water the cuttings with sterilised water mixed with fungicide.
- Avoid tugging at the cuttings to check if they have rooted; look out for new growth instead.
