Taking root cuttings is one of the most reliable and economical ways to produce many perennial and woody plants.

It's also pathetically easy, so if you've ever had problems propagating some of your favorite plants, this may be the way for you to go.

It's best done during the plant's dormant season, and is such a straightforward process, you can do it in four steps. How's that for easy?

Just keep in mind that some plants like roses and fruit trees are grafted, so if you take root cuttings you will be propagating the root stock, and not the grafted variety that you enjoy above the grafted root stock

 

Step 1
Carefully Uncover The Roots

The best time to take root cuttings is when the plants are dormant. At this time, there is a large amount of stored energy in the roots, and there is less stress on the parent plant because they are not actively growing and in as much need of their root system.

For Woody Plants
To take root cuttings from trees and shrubs, carefully remove dirt around the roots on one side of the plant.

It's best to dig fairly close to the base of the plant to make sure you find roots belonging to the plant you are working on.
Take a close look at the roots that you want to take cuttings from and make sure they're healthy, living roots, not a dead ones that look black or dried out.
Choose roots that are pencil thick.

For Perennial Plants.
For perennials and smaller plants, it's usually easier to lift the entire parent plant.
Look for large fleshy roots, the thicker the better.

 

Step 2
Take Your Root Cuttings

For both woody plants and perennial plants, don't take more than one-third of the roots off. This way you will leave enough roots for the parent plant to recover.

For Woody Plants
Now that you have found healthy, pencil thick roots, take 2 to 15 cm cuttings and then cut into 6 to 7.5 cm sections.

Important Tip: Keep track of which side of the root is the "up" portion of the root and which is the "down" portion! The "up" portion is the part closest to the parent plant, and the "down" portion is the part farthest down in the soil. This is important since they won't root upside down.
The best way to keep track of "up" and "down" is to make a flat cut on top or "up" side, and a slanted cut on "down" or bottom side.
Cover the roots back up again and water the plant in.

For Perennial Plants
For plants with smaller roots, like perennials, take 5 to 7.5 cm cuttings the same way as above with a flat cut on top and a slanted cut on the bottom to help you remember the root's correct orientation.
Because with smaller plants we have lifted the entire plant out, after you have taken your cuttings, then replant the parent plant.
Water the plants to settle the roots back into the soil properly

 

Step 3
Plant Your Root Cuttings

Use a deep pot, raised planter bed, or just in the soil somewhere to plant your root cuttings - as long as they are in a in a frost-free area.
Before you plant them, put a little bit of sand in the bottom of the hole and dust the bottom of each cutting with powdered sulphur to control fungi. This helps keeps the roots from rotting.
Plant in moist potting soil a few inches apart, and make sure that the top of the cuttings are about 2.5 cm below the soil surface.
Cover with 1/4 to 1/2 cm of coarse sand or small gravel.
Water only when soil becomes dry and try not to keep the soil too wet because the roots can rot.