How to Propagate Leland Cypress
- 1). Combine equal parts of perlite and peat moss in a container. Mix in water until the items are combined and consistently moist. Pour the mixture to within 1/4 inch of the top of the planting pot. Stick a pencil or other sharp item 2 inches into the soil to create a planting hole.
- 2). Cut a 6-inch-long stem from the Leyland cypress. Choose a stem that is starting to turn brown at the bottom. Immediately wrap the cutting in a moist paper towel and place it in a plastic bag. Keep the cutting out of the direct sun and keep it cool.
- 3). Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the cutting into water and then into the rooting hormone. Tap the cuttings on the edge of the container to remove the excess hormone powder and stick it into the prepared soil.
- 4). Place wooden craft sticks into the soil at the top, bottom and both sides of the planting pot. Place the pot into a plastic bag and adjust it over the sticks so that it isn’t touching the cutting. Seal the bag and place it in a shady area that remains 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 5). Determine rooting progress by turning the pot over and gently tipping the entire contents out. When you see roots, fertilize the cutting with 20-20-20 fertilizer, at half the strength recommended on the label. Fertilize weekly. Your cutting should be fully rooted within three months.
