How to Make Hydrangea Plants from Softwood Cuttings, Start to Finish

Here is my full length video (end of article) on how to propagate Hydrangea plants from softwood cuttings. Start to finish. 

Hydrangeas are probably the easiest plants I have created from softwood cuttings. If you are just getting started propagating plants, start with these. 

1. Take cuttings from a hydrangea plant late spring to summer, you will cut the hydrangea just above where the leaves stick out from the new growth. If the new growth is too flimsy, you need to wait a few weeks (too new of a plant).

2. Cut 50% of the leaves from the cutting, less surface area means that the plant will lose less water.

3. Dip that softwood cutting in Dip N grow rooting hormone - Dip N Grow liquid hormone - http://amzn.to/2hQGxCk

4. Stick that cutting in a 50% Perlite / 50% Coarse sand bed, the leaves should not be touching the ground. 

5. Make sure your misters keep the leaves wet all day long, my typical settings during the summer - Every 15 minutes, my misters will activate for a few seconds. I use 2 Dramm Stix green misters for my 8x3' bed: http://www.kbwsupply.com/product/dramm-stix-30-inch-green-pin/ .The mist program starts right before sunrise & ends right after sunset. I use the Galcon Irrigation timer, 3/4" PVC Pipe to a 3/4" water valve: http://amzn.to/2GaVaKE

Galcon irrigation controller - controls the timing of the misters http://amzn.to/2iamGfk

Outside irrigation wiring - http://amzn.to/2ilhxUQ

6. After a few weeks, you can tug on the plant. If it gives some resistance, it is probably growing roots, if the plant is discolored it is probably dead. Once the roots have a ~racket ball size root ball you can put in a plant pot with dirt. I typically use a 50% compost to soil mix. ***Make sure you keep in the shade for about a week**** The plants need to stay in the shade and build their root system, keep the soil moist.

7. You can now put in the sun more and more, congratulations you have a brand new plant! 

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