The cuttings are usually taken in summer to early fall. Softwood cuttings are prepared from tender, succulent growth of woody trees and shrubs. They're generally taken in early spring. Herbaceous cuttings are made from plants which don't develop a woody structure. The plant growth is succulent when taken and can be done at any time of year with the proper environmental conditions.
Great care is taken that the cuttings are disease-free and of known origin.
During propagation, a series of cultural practices are used to promote peak development of shoots and roots. Naturally occurring plant hormones, known as auxins, are often used as a treatment for cuttings to make roots form faster and better. Temperature, light, water and relative humidity are also important factors which must be controlled to get peak new root and shoot development. As cuttings reach desirable stages, the clonal plants are transplanted into larger containers so they can be grown out to marketable size.