First Propagation

I couldn’t transplant a beautiful rhododendron that had long outgrown where it was planted, so I decided to propagate it through a process called “layering.” Watched a YouTube video and now I’m an expert!

This beautiful rhododendron is sandwiched between two trees and a gingantor bolder. No, I’m not going to leave it alone when I’ve got way better places for it to be. But transplanting is out of the question because of durn commingled roots everyone is growing all over the place.

Supplies needed: plastic, plumber’s tape, box cutter, foil, rooting hormones, dirt.

Cutting away the cambium (bark) to stop the nutrients from the main plant to the soon to be new plant.

Cambium cut away, down to the dead wood.

Dusted the dead wood with rooting hormones to promote roots. Starting to make a plastic “pot” around the branch using 2mm plastic bag left over from Home Chef deliveries, and plumber’s tape.

Filling the “pot” with wet dirt.

Taping up the other end to seal in juices!

Finish with a foil wrap so it’s dark inside, like it’s in the ground, and the branch will start growing roots!

Did three to increase my odds of getting one successful propagation. Once they root, I will cut them off the main plant and likely grow them in a pot for awhile before placing them in the yard. I will then thank the old plant for its years of beauty and hack it out. Check back in 4 months, dear reader.