How to Propagate SunPatiens from Cuttings

This post comes from a question asked in the Shade Gardening Facebook group, where a member wanted to know if SunPatiens can be propagated. If you have a healthy SunPatiens plant and want more of them, the good news is that they can be easily propagated using cuttings! This is a simple and reliable way to get more plants without buying new ones.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of propagating SunPatiens from cuttings.

Why Use Cuttings Instead of Seeds?

SunPatiens are a hybrid plant, which means they don’t grow true from seeds. This means if you plant seeds from a SunPatiens plant, you might not get a plant that looks or grows exactly like the parent. However, cuttings are an exact clone of the parent plant, ensuring that you get the same beautiful characteristics every time.

What You’ll Need:

• A healthy SunPatiens plant

• Sharp, clean knife or scissors

• Glass of water or small pot with well-draining soil

• Rooting hormone (optional)

• Plastic bag (optional)

• Warm, bright spot (out of direct sunlight)

Step 1: Select a Healthy Stem

Start by choosing a strong, healthy stem from your SunPatiens plant. The stem should be about 4-6 inches long and free of flowers or buds. If the stem has flowers or buds, pinch them off. This will help the cutting focus its energy on growing roots instead of blooming.

Step 2: Cut Below a Leaf Node

Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, make a cut just below a leaf node. A leaf node is where a leaf meets the stem. Once you have your cutting, remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving just a few at the top.

Step 3: Root in Water or Soil

Now, you have two options: you can root your cutting in water or soil. Both methods work, so choose the one that’s easiest for you.

• Rooting in Water: Place the cutting in a glass of water. Make sure the bottom nodes (the areas where you removed leaves) are submerged. Keep the glass in a warm, bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight. You should see roots start to form in 1-2 weeks.

• Rooting in Soil: Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it directly in moist, well-draining soil. You can use a small pot for this. Keep the soil lightly moist, but not too wet.

Step 4: Create the Right Environment

For the cutting to root successfully, it needs the right environment. Keep it warm and bright, but out of direct sunlight. If you're rooting in soil, mist the cutting regularly to keep it moist. You can also cover it with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, which helps encourage root growth. Just make sure the plastic doesn’t touch the leaves.

Step 5: Transplant

Once your cuttings develop strong roots, it’s time to transplant them. If you rooted the cutting in water, wait until the roots are at least an inch long before moving them into soil. For cuttings rooted in soil, you’ll know they are ready when you see new growth. You can transplant them into individual pots or plant them directly in your garden.

Caring for Your New Plants

After transplanting, continue to care for your SunPatiens as you would any other plant. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and place them in a spot with bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, your cuttings will settle into their new home and start to grow!

Final Thoughts

Propagating SunPatiens from cuttings is an easy and fun way to expand your garden. With just a little patience and the right care, you’ll have plenty of new plants in no time. Give it a try, and enjoy watching your garden grow!

Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried this before or if you have any tips to share!