The trumpet vine can be propagated from cuttings. However, it must be admitted that this technique proves relatively complex for amateurs, particularly due to the long time it takes to produce roots.
That said, it is a very useful propagation method for obtaining a beautiful trumpet vine plant from an existing one. Moreover, not all cutting attempts are necessarily doomed to failure.
This is especially true when dealing with small-flowered species, as cuttings are more delicate to succeed with large-flowered varieties.
To ensure your success, discover in the following lines when and how to take a trumpet vine cutting.
Equipment for taking trumpet vine cuttings
Taking trumpet vine cuttings requires little equipment. In terms of tools, have a good pair of secateurs ready, previously disinfected with 90° alcohol, to limit the risk of disease spread. Pots are also needed to plant your cuttings. Also protect your hands with a pair of gardening gloves. Finally, the substrate should be light, composed of good potting soil and river sand.
- Secateurs
- Pots
- Gloves
- Rooting hormone
- Potting compost
- River sand
When to take trumpet vine cuttings?
The best time to take trumpet vine cuttings is between July and August, in the heart of summer.
If you garden by the moon, proceed preferably during a descending moon period.
How to take a trumpet vine cutting?
As trumpet vine cuttings can be tricky to succeed, increase your chances by taking several cuttings.
© Ishikawa Shihchuan - Flickr
1 - Start by filling the pots with your mixture of sand and potting compost.
2 - Choose a flowering shoot with at least 3 pairs of leaves.
3 - Trim the top of the stem, at the level of the first pair of leaves (the one just below the terminal spike).
4 - Recut the base to 5 mm below the basal pair of leaves.
5 - Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, without touching the upper leaves.
6 - Cut most of the remaining leaves, to keep only one pair of leaflets (the closest to the stem).
7 - Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder.
8 - Make a hole in the substrate using a piece of wood.
9 - Plant the trumpet vine cutting in it, inserting it three-quarters into the pot.
10 - Firm around the stem and water.
11 - Place the pot in a semi-shaded spot, at a temperature of 25°C.
12 - Keep the substrate moist without ever waterlogging it.
Be patient, as rooting can sometimes take several months. Generally, signs of vegetative recovery appear within 6 weeks, but it may take longer. If successful, you can transplant your trumpet vine cuttings the following spring, once their root system has developed sufficiently.
Taking trumpet vine cuttings in water
Another possible option is trying to root trumpet vine cuttings in a glass of water, alongside your potted cuttings. While this technique is more commonly used for propagating houseplants, such as Scindapsus and Tradescantia, it can also be attempted on flowering shrubs, which include the trumpet vine. In this case, cuttings should be taken between April and September.
1 - First, take a section of stem that hasn't yet flowered, just below a node.
2 - Then remove the basal leaves, so they are not submerged in water. Keep only one or two terminal leaves, cutting the largest ones in half.
3 - Place a little charcoal in the water to keep it clear. Alternatively, make sure to change the water regularly.
4 - Immerse the stem in the water, and place it all in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
Then it's just a matter of waiting to observe the development of the trumpet vine's root system. If unsuccessful, you'll notice the leaves falling off, a sign that unfortunately your cutting hasn't taken. However, if roots develop, simply wait until they reach 2 to 3 cm before potting them up in a light potting mix with added river sand.
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