What is a Node and How Do You Propagate?

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones, and it can be a fun and rewarding way to expand your plant collection. One important aspect of propagation is understanding what a node is and how to use it to create new plants.

A node is a point on a stem where a leaf or bud is attached. Nodes contain specialized cells that are capable of producing new roots and shoots, making them a key part of plant propagation.

To propagate a plant using nodes, you'll first need to identify a healthy stem with several nodes. Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, make a clean cut just below a node, leaving a few inches of stem attached.

Remove any leaves or growth from the lower portion of the stem, leaving only the leaves or growth above the node intact. Place the stem in water or soil, keeping the node and the lower portion of the stem submerged or buried.

Over time, the node should produce new roots and shoots, allowing the plant to grow into a new, independent plant. With proper care and attention, you can use node propagation to create a variety of new plants from existing ones.