A Guide to Easily Propagating a Lemon Tree from Cuttings Using Paper Towels

Sharing the process of propagating a lemon tree from cuttings using paper towels presents a simple and effective technique. The following step-by-step instructions will help you navigate this process with ease:

Required materials:

• Fresh lemon cuttings (4 to 6 inches in size and containing 2 to 3 sets of leaves)
• Scissors or pruning shears (clean and sharp)
• Paper towels
• Rooting hormone (recommended, but optional)
• Small containers or pots
• Well Draining Potting Mix
• Transparent plastic containers or plastic bags.

Step by step procedure:

1.  Prepare the cuttings:

• Choose sturdy lemon branches that are free of diseases or pests. Cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and encompass 2 to 3 sets of leaves.
• Make precise diagonal cuts just below a leaf node (the joint where a leaf attaches to the stem).

2.  Remove excess leaves:

• Trim the leaves from each cutting, removing the lowest set of leaves. This facilitates water retention and redirects the plant’s energy toward encouraging root growth.

3.  Apply rooting hormone (optional):

• If available, dip the cut end of each cutting in rooting hormone. This stimulates the start of root development and increases the likelihood of success.

4.  Prepare the paper towels:

• Dampen a paper towel and then wring out excess moisture. The towel should be damp but not excessively soaked.
• Place the damp paper towel on a spotless surface.

5.  Wrap the cuttings:

• Place the cut end of each cut on the damp paper towel.
• Gently fold the paper towel over the cut, providing a layer of coverage.

6.  Seal inside a plastic bag or container:

• Place the wrapped cuttings inside a clear plastic bag or container. This environment improves humidity, stopping moisture loss and facilitating the advancement of roots.
• Seal the bag or container, making sure there is some degree of air circulation to prevent mold from forming. Make small punctures in the plastic or keep a slight opening.

7.  Offer indirect light:

• Locate the bagged cuttings in an area bathed in diffuse, indirect light. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight as it can overheat the enclosed space.

8.  Monitor and wait:

• Periodically inspect the cuttings to ensure the paper towels remain moist. Spray them with water if they show signs of drying out.
• Over the next few weeks, watch for the appearance of small root formations.

9.  Place the cuttings in pots:

• Once a substantial root system develops (usually within a few weeks to a couple of months), carefully separate the cuttings from the paper towel.
• Plant each rooted cutting in a small pot filled with well-draining potting mix.

10.  Growing young plants:

• Place the newly planted cuttings in a warm, well-lit location, protecting them from direct exposure to sunlight.
• Provide water as needed, allowing the top inch of soil to dry before watering later.

11.  Transfer to larger containers:

• Once the cuttings have grown and established healthy roots, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.

Keep in mind that not all cuttings can root successfully, so taking multiple cuttings increases the likelihood of success. Patience is vital as root development takes time. With meticulous care, successful propagation of a lemon tree from cuttings can be achieved using paper towels.