Patent Description:
Processes for cloning a plant typically include cutting a portion of a mother plant (e.g., the stem, root, or leaf) and placing the cut portion in a separate container to grow the clone. Such processes commonly rely on using a scalpel, razor blade, scissors or knife with an exposed blade to cut the plant. Consequently, there can be an increased risk of injury. Such processes can also involve inefficiencies since the cuttings may not be consistently cut at the appropriate or ideal angle and they can also be generally time consuming, tedious and labour intensive. Furthermore, these processes can harm the clone in that the cut may not be done using a sharp or sterile blade, and the cutting may therefore be susceptible to developing infections. In some cases, an additional disinfecting agent can be used. A number of precautions are also typically taken to ensure the optimal growth of the cutting. Once the cutting is obtained, it is transported to and put into growth medium that is located in a dedicated container. There is a need for a technology that overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of known cloning techniques. Documents <CIT> and <CIT> relate to this matter.

Various techniques are described herein for cutting and cloning a plant. For example, the plant can be cut by inserting a part of the plant between two compartments, one of which having a cutter, and then closing the compartments such that the closing motion enables the cutter to cut the plant part and then the compartment close to form an enclosure around the cut plant part. Various implementations, aspects and applications are described in further detail herein.

In some implementations, there is described herein is a device for cutting and cloning a plant, the device comprising:.

In some implementations, there is described herein a device for cutting and cloning a plant, the device comprising:.

In some implementations, there is described herein a use of the device as defined herein, as a seed starter for receiving at least one seed of a plant within the enclosure.

In some implementations, there is described herein a method for cutting a plant part and producing a plant clone from the cut plant part, the method comprising: simultaneously cutting the plant part and enclosing a resulting cut end of the plant part within an enclosure comprising a growth medium.

In some implementations, there is described a method of manufacturing a cloning device, comprising:
forming first and second compartments, at least one of which comprising a cutter, the first and second compartments being shaped and configured to form an enclosure when coupled together and the cutter being oriented to cut a plant part to produce a plant cutting having a cut end upon closing of the first and second compartments together.

In some implementations, there is described herein a process of producing a plant product, comprising:.

In some implementations, there is described herein a method of manufacturing a cloning device, comprising:.

In some implementations, there is described herein a method of manufacturing a cloning device, comprising: first and second compartments, wherein said first and second compartments define an enclosure when coupled together; and
a cutter mounted within the first compartment and configured to cut a plant part to produce a plant cutting having a cut end when the first and second compartments are coupled together, such that a cut end of the plant part is accommodated and held within the enclosure.

In some implementations, there is described herein a method of manufacturing the cloning device as defined herein.

In some implementations, there is described herein a kit comprising the plant cutting device as defined herein, a growth medium, and a plant container.

In some implementations, there is described herein a kit comprising the plant cutting device as defined herein a plant container.

For a better understanding of the implementations described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one exemplary implementation, and in which:.

Nevertheless, for disclosure purposes, it should be understood that the relative proportions of the various elements as shown in the figures are disclosed.

The present description relates to devices and methods that facilitate cutting and growing a plant part to produce a clone. The device enables both cutting the plant part to separate it from the mother plant and housing or otherwise holding the cutting to facilitate contact with growth medium. In some implementations, the device can include opposed compartments that can move from an open position to receive the plant part, and a close position to house the plant part, where movement to the closed position enables a cutter to contact and cut the plant part to separate it to form the cutting that is housed by the closed compartments. The device can also include growth medium that is located in one or both of the compartments, such that it is available to the cutting. The closed compartments with the supported cutting and integrated growth medium can thus be planted to enable efficient growth of the plant clone.

It is thus provided a device for cutting and cloning a plant, the device comprising:.

The device may comprise one or more of the following features:.

Additionally or alternatively, the device may comprise one or more of the following features:.

Additionally or alternatively, the blade may be oriented at an angle with respect to a generally vertical orientation of the plant part. Alternatively, the blade may be oriented at an angle with respect to a generally vertical orientation of the plant part. In this case, the angle may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. Alternatively, the angle may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. Alternatively, the angle may be <NUM> degrees. The angle may be a lateral angle about a lateral axis extending through the first and second compartments in the closed position.

Additionally or alternatively, the top portion may comprise a top wall and an aperture provided therethrough and sized so that the cut plant part extends through the aperture after cutting. The top portion may comprise a top ring defining a central space. The bottom portion may comprise a bottom ring. The sidewalls may comprise spines that extend between the top ring and the bottom ring. At least the sidewalls may comprise openings allowing for the propagation of roots and influx of nutrients during growth of the plant clone. In this case, the first and second compartments may be configured so that the enclosure is cage-like with a plurality of the openings.

Additionally or alternatively, the locking mechanism may comprise a receiving end and locking end each mounted on a corresponding one of the first and second compartments. The receiving end may comprise a hook. The locking end may comprise a latch.

Additionally or alternatively, the device may further comprise an elongated channel defined along a longitudinal axis of the enclosure and sized to receive the plant part. The elongated channel may be defined by the growth medium.

It is also provided a device for cutting and cloning a plant, the device comprising:.

Additionally or alternatively, the blade may comprise a serrated edge blade. The blade may be mounted to the first support member. The blade may be oriented horizontally with respect to a generally vertical orientation of the plant part. The blade may be oriented at an angle with respect to a generally vertical orientation of the plant part. In this case, the angle may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. Alternatively, the angle may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. Alternatively, the angle may be <NUM> degrees. The angle may be a lateral angle about a lateral axis extending through the first and second support members in the closed position.

Additionally or alternatively, the support members may comprise a locking mechanism arranged and configured to lock the support members together in the closed position. The the locking mechanism may be configured to unlock the support members into the open position. The locking mechanism may comprise a receiving end and locking end mounted on separate support members. The receiving end may be a hook. The locking end may be a latch.

Additionally or alternatively, the first and second support members may be first and second compartments, respectively, which define an enclosure when displaced from the open position to the closed position. The growth medium may be provided in a lower and/or upper section of the enclosure. The first and second compartments may be shaped so that the enclosure is generally box shaped. Alternatively, the first and second compartments may shaped so that the enclosure is generally cylinder shaped. Each compartment may comprise a bottom portion, sidewalls, and a top portion. The top portion may comprise a top wall and an aperture provided therethrough and sized so that the cut plant part extends through the aperture after cutting. The top portion may comprise a top ring defining a central space. The bottom portion may comprise a bottom ring. The sidewalls may comprise spines that extend between the top ring and the bottom ring. At least the sidewalls may comprise openings allowing for the propagation of roots and influx of nutrients during growth of the plant clone. The compartments may be configured so that the enclosure is cage-like with a plurality of the openings.

The device may comprise any one or more of the following features:.

Additionally or alternatively, the cutter may comprise a blade. The blade may comprise a straight edge blade. The blade may comprise a serrated edge blade. The blade may be mounted within the first compartment. The blade may be oriented horizontally with respect to a generally vertical orientation of the plant part. The blade may be oriented at an angle with respect to a generally vertical orientation of the plant part. The angle may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. Alternatively, the angle may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. Alternatively, the angle may be <NUM> degrees. The angle may be a lateral angle about a lateral axis extending through the first and second compartments in the closed position.

Additionally or alternatively, the device may comprise any one or more of the following features:.

Additionally or alternatively, each compartment comprises a bottom portion, sidewalls, and a top portion. The top portion may comprise a top wall and an aperture provided therethrough and sized so that the cut plant part extends through the aperture after cutting. The top portion may comprise a top ring defining a central space. The bottom portion may comprise a bottom ring. The sidewalls may comprise spines that extend between the top ring and the bottom ring. At least the sidewalls may comprise openings allowing for the propagation of roots and influx of nutrients during growth of the plant clone. The top ring may comprise an outwardly extended upper lip.

Additionally or alternatively, the device may comprise the following feature:.

Additionally or alternatively, the compartments comprise a locking mechanism arranged and configured to lock the compartments together in the closed position. The locking mechanism may be configured to unlock the compartments into the open position. The locking mechanism may comprise a receiving end and locking end mounted on separate support members. The receiving end may be a hook. The locking end may be a latch.

Additionally or alternatively, the device may further comprise a growth medium disposed in the first compartment and/or the second compartment for contacting the cut end of the plant part. The growth medium may be provided in a lower section of the enclosure. The growth medium may be sized to substantially fill the enclosure. The growth medium may be sized and configured to include two growth medium blocks that fit into the first and second compartments respectively. The growth medium may be solid. The device may further comprise an elongated channel defined along a longitudinal axis of the enclosure and sized to receive the plant part. The elongated channel may be defined by the growth medium. The growth medium may comprise peat foam, rock wool, stone wool, coco coir, perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, sand earth mix, soil and/or a rooting hormone.

It is also provided a use of the device as per any of the previous descriptions, for cutting and cloning a plant. The use of the device may comprise any one or more of the following features:.

It is also provided a method for cutting a plant part and producing a plant clone from the cut plant part, the method comprising: simultaneously cutting the plant part and enclosing a resulting cut end of the plant part within an enclosure comprising a growth medium. The method may be performed using the device as per any of the previous descriptions.

It is also provided a process of producing a plant product, comprising:.

It is also provided method of manufacturing a cloning device, comprising:
forming first and second compartments, at least one of which comprising a cutter, the first and second compartments being shaped and configured to form an enclosure when coupled together and the cutter being oriented to cut a plant part to produce a plant cutting having a cut end upon closing of the first and second compartments together.

The method may comprise any one or more of the following features:.

Additionally or alternatively, the cutter may comprise a blade. The blade may comprise a straight edge blade. The blade may comprise a serrated edge blade. The blade may be mounted within the first compartment. The blade may be oriented horizontally with respect to a generally vertical orientation of the plant part. Alternatively, the blade is oriented at an angle with respect to a generally vertical orientation of the plant part. The angle may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. Alternatively, the angle may be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. Alternatively, the angle may be <NUM> degrees. The angle may be a lateral angle about a lateral axis extending through the first and second compartments in the closed position.

Additionally or alternatively, the method may comprise any one or more of the following features:.

Additionally or alternatively, each compartment may comprise a bottom portion, sidewalls, and a top portion. The top portion may comprise a top wall and an aperture provided therethrough and sized so that the cut plant part extends through the aperture after cutting. The top portion may comprise a top ring defining a central space. The bottom portion may comprise a bottom ring. The sidewalls may comprise spines that extend between the top ring and the bottom ring. At least the sidewalls may comprise openings allowing for the propagation of roots and influx of nutrients during growth of the plant clone.

Additionally or alternatively, the compartments may be configured so that the enclosure is cage-like with a plurality of the openings. The compartments may comprise a locking mechanism arranged and configured to lock the compartments together in the closed position. The locking mechanism may be configured to unlock the compartments into the open position. The locking mechanism may comprise a receiving end and locking end mounted on separate support members. The receiving end may be a hook. The locking end may be a latch.

Additionally or alternatively, the method may further comprise an elongated channel defined along a longitudinal axis of the enclosure and sized to receive the plant part. The elongated channel may be defined by the growth medium.

It is also provided a method of manufacturing the cloning device.

It is also provided a kit comprising the plant cutting device, and a plant container.

The kit may comprise any one or more of the following features:.

It is also provided a kit comprising the plant cutting device, a growth medium, and a plant container.

<FIG> illustrates a plant cutting device <NUM> in an open (<FIG>) and a closed position (<FIG>). The plant cutting device <NUM> comprises two compartments <NUM> and <NUM>, which can be connected by a hinge <NUM>. Compartment <NUM> comprises a sidewall with a plurality of openings <NUM>, and a cutter <NUM> which comprises a blade <NUM>. Compartment <NUM> comprises a sidewall with a plurality of openings <NUM>, and cutter guide <NUM>.

According to one example implementation, a plant <NUM> is placed inside the plant cutting device <NUM> when in an open position. The stem of the plant <NUM> is placed adjacent to the cutter guide <NUM>. A growth medium <NUM> can also be present inside one or both compartments, such that it can surround or otherwise be positioned to be available for the stem <NUM> of the plant <NUM> after cutting. The growth medium <NUM> can be pre-installed within one or more of the compartments or it can be inserted after the plant stem is positioned within the device <NUM> in the open position. The two compartments <NUM> and <NUM> of the plant cutting device <NUM> can be pivoted toward each other to close the device, which causes the blade <NUM> to cut the stem. During the closing of the compartments, the stem <NUM> can be held or displaced by the cutter guide <NUM> as the blade <NUM> of the cutter <NUM> engages and cuts the stem <NUM>.

The compartments <NUM>, <NUM> can be joined by a hinge so that the movement between the open and closed positions is done by pivoting. Alternatively, the compartments could be joined together in other ways using other mechanisms so that the compartments can move from the open position to the closed position. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the compartments <NUM>, <NUM> could be joinable using a slot-and-bar system where one compartment <NUM> has bars <NUM> that slide into slots <NUM> located in the opposed compartment <NUM>, thus moving by translation with respect to each other. Different arrangements of slots and bars, as well as various shapes and sizes and configurations of the slots and bars, could be used. For instance, each compartment could have both slots and bars, with the opposed compartment having a complementary arrangement so that once the plant part is positioned in between the compartments, the two compartments can be displaced toward each other to reach the closed position as the plant part is cut. The hinge <NUM> type connection, an example of which is shown in <FIG>, can facilitate receiving the plant part since the open position has one fully open side and movement to the closed position is relatively easy once the plant part is located in between the compartments <NUM>, <NUM>. According to some example implementations, the blade <NUM> of the cutter <NUM> is oriented horizontally. In a preferred implementation, the blade <NUM> is sharp and angled at <NUM> degrees, as illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, to increase the surface area of the stem cutting for water and nutrient uptake. The blade is generally very sharp, as to not damage the stem or plant part during cutting. In other implementations, the blade <NUM> is angled between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. In some implementations, the angle of the blade <NUM> is a lateral angle about a lateral axis extending through the first and second compartments in the closed position, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>. In some implementations, the cutter <NUM> extends across most or all of the width of the first and/or second compartment to ensure that the blade <NUM> makes contact with the stem <NUM>.

According to some example implementations, the plant cutting device <NUM> comprises the cutter guide <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In some aspects, the cutter guide directs a plant part (e.g., a stem) towards the blade <NUM> on the cutter <NUM>. In some aspects, the cutter guide <NUM> is positioned at the same height relative to the blade <NUM>. The cutter guide <NUM> can comprise a groove or opening along its blunt end and is shaped so that the blade <NUM> can fit inside the groove when the device <NUM> is in a closed position, as illustrated in <FIG>. In some aspects, the cutter guide <NUM> is positioned just above the blade <NUM> providing an opposite force to the blade <NUM> during cutting, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. In some aspects, the cutter guide <NUM> slightly overlaps the blade <NUM> when the device is in a closed position. The cutter guide <NUM> can have a blunt-shaped end, as to not cut the stem. In some aspects, the cutter guide <NUM> is oriented at the same angle as the cutter <NUM>. The cutter guide <NUM> can also extend across most or all of the width of the first and/or second compartment. The cutter guide <NUM> may also comprises a clamp for holding the plant part in place. The blade <NUM> of the cutter <NUM> may be shaped so that it fits inside the groove of the elongated channel of the cutter guide and it may have a corresponding shape and size. In some aspects, the cutter guide <NUM> is an elongated channel that holds the plant part in place.

According to some example implementations, the first <NUM> and second <NUM> compartments of the plant cutting device <NUM> are shaped so that the enclosure is generally boxshaped, as illustrated by the prototype in <FIG>, or cylindrical-shaped as in <FIG>. In some implementations, the height, width, and length of the compartments can be configured corresponding to the size of the plant or stem of the plant that is being cloned. In some implementations, each compartment comprises a bottom portion, sidewalls, and a top portion. The top portion may comprise a top wall and an aperture provided therethrough and sized so that the cut plant part extends through the aperture after cutting. The top portion may comprise a top ring defining a central space and the bottom portion may comprise a bottom ring. In some aspects, the compartments comprises sidewalls which comprise spines that extend between the top ring and the bottom ring. The compartments may also comprise a plurality of openings <NUM> that allow for the propagation of roots for the proper growth of the cutting, as well as provide an influx of nutrients from the growth medium during growth. The compartments may be configured so that the enclosure is cage-like with a plurality of the openings <NUM>. The compartments can each include a hub and spine-like supports extending from the hub to connect it to the top and bottom portions. The spine-like supports can be relatively thin, as illustrated in <FIG> for example, and can include two opposed vertical members extending up and down, two opposed side members extending across, and four oblique members extending to the corners. According to some example implementations, the first and second compartments are shaped so that the enclosure or device is generally box, cylinder, cone, or inverted cone shaped.

According to some example implementations, the device further comprises an elongated channel defined along a longitudinal axis of the enclosure and sized to receive the plant part. In some aspects, the elongated channel is defined by the growth medium.

According to some example implementations, the compartments comprise a locking mechanism <NUM> arranged and configured to lock the compartments together in the closed position, as illustrated in <FIG>. The first compartment may comprise a hook <NUM> or receiving end of the locking mechanism on its unhinged edge (<FIG>, <FIG>), which latches onto the unhinged edge or locking end of the locking mechanism of the second compartment (<FIG>, <FIG>), to lock the device in the closed position. The second compartment may also comprise a latch <NUM> or attachment point along its unhinged edge, shaped so that the hook can engage it in the closed position. Various locking mechanisms and structures are possible and may include structural elements that are located at various places on the compartments, e.g., on a side, middle, bottom and/or top edge or surface. For instance, the first compartment may comprise a ball or bar, which fits inside a socket or slot on the second compartment, to lock the device in the closed position. In some implementations, the compartments are not permanently locked in a closed position and may be returned to an open configuration. For example, the locking mechanism <NUM> may be locked in the closed position, then unlocked to move back to the open position; or the device can be provided witout a locking mechanism so that the compartments can be moved between the open and closed positions by a user. According to some example implementations, the locking mechanism may comprise a magnetic system, rubber band, or Velcro™ fasteners.

According to some example implementations, the device comprises an outwardly extended upper lip of the top ring of the top portion of the device defining the central space. The first <NUM> and/or second <NUM> compartments (or first <NUM> and second <NUM> support members) may comprise an extended lip <NUM> and <NUM> on their top portion(s) (<FIG>). Said lip may allow for a better suspension of the device in a variety of commonly used plant holders and towers. For example, the device may be suspended in an aeroponic or hydroponic system or tower. According to some example implementations, the extended lips <NUM> and <NUM> may be retractable, foldable, or collapsible. For example, the lip or lips may be retracted or collapsed during a rooting phase of the plant part or in order to save space, if required, in certain growing systems. The lips may also be extended or folded outward prior to placing or suspending in certain growing systems, such as in aeroponic or hydroponic systems or towers.

According to one example implementation, the cutting or clone of the plant is grown within the device. In some aspects, as illustrated in <FIG>, the device <NUM> housing the plant cutting is placed in a larger plant container <NUM> comprising additional growth medium or soil <NUM>, under conditions suitable for growth of the plant <NUM>. The container <NUM> can include any vessel that is used for growing a plant, including but not limited to a pot, box, tray (e.g., multi-well tray), or aeroponic or hydroponic tower or system.

According to some example implementations, the growth medium is any medium that allows for the proper growth of a plant. In some aspects, the growth medium is sized to substantially fill the enclosure. In some aspects, the growth medium is sized and configured to include two growth medium blocks that fit into the first and second compartments respectively. The growth medium may form a solid structure that remains within the compartment on its own. Alternatively, the growth medium may also be a loose medium, in which case it may be held together with a retention structure (e.g. a netting) to hold it in place within the compartments of the device. Examples of a growth medium include, but are not limited to, a growth medium comprising peat foam, rock wool, stone wool, coco coir, perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, sand earth mix, and/or soil. One or more rooting hormones or other rooting or growth promotion substances can also be included in the growth medium.

In some implementations, the device is made completely or partially of metal, plastic, paper or cardboard. In some implementations, the device is made completely or partially of bio-based, biodegradable and/or compositable materials (e.g., a seaweed-based bioplastic such as Algoblend™ or Algopack™). In some aspects, the plant cutting device is sterilized or made of sterile materials, to prevent any infections from developing in the plant. In some implementations, the device decomposes and serves as a source of nutrients for the growth of the plant cutting, which also provides more space for the roots to expand. In some implementations, the blade <NUM> is made completely or partially of metal, plastic, paper or cardboard. In some implementations, the blade <NUM> is made completely or partially of bio-based, biodegradable and/or compositable materials. In some implementations, the blade comprises a partial or complete serrated edge (e.g., see <FIG>, and <FIG>) or a straight edge (<FIG>, and <FIG>). When using a blade <NUM> with a serrated edge, the serrations <NUM> can have various forms, orientations and sizes depending on the plant part to be cut and the configuration of the device (<FIG>). For example, the serrations <NUM> may comprises pointy or triangular edges or more circular or convex edges. Furthermore, the serrations <NUM> may comprise a triangular (<FIG>), half circular (<FIG>), wavy (<FIG>) pattern, resulting in a corresponding cut on the plant part (e.g., stem). According to some example implementations, a serrated cut may increase the surface area of the plant part, exposing more of the cambium layer of the plant part, and enhance growth of the clone. The blade is generally very sharp, as to not damage the stem or plant part during cutting. The cutter <NUM> can have one or more other features as well, such as including two or more blades, one or more movable blade (e.g., a scissor), or other cutting features. According to some example implementation, each compartment may comprise a cutter comprising a blade.

According to some example implementations, is a use of the plant cutting device as described herein for cutting and cloning (e.g., propagating or striking) a plant. According to some example implementations, is a use of the plant cutting device as described herein as a seed starter for receiving at least one seed of a plant within the enclosure. Thus, if a plurality of the devices are provided, some of them could be used for plant cuttings and cloning, while others could be used as seed starters where the blade is not used to cut a plant part. A seed of a plant can be placed within the plant cutting device, along with growth medium, and is grown within the device. In this scenario, the growth medium present in the compartments could include a cavity sized and configured to receive the seed in the device's open position, and then in the closed position the growth medium surrounds the seed. In some aspects, the device containing the seed is placed in a larger plant container, as described herein. According to some example implementations, the plant cutting device is used for stem, root, scion or leaf cutting. It is also noted that an embodiment of the device could have no cutting elements so as to be dedicated as a seed starter device; in this case the device could have one or more of the other features described herein but may or may not have the cutting element or guide since the seed would not require cutting. In the seed starter embodiment of the device, the growth medium could define a seed cavity for receiving the seed as well as one or more growth openings communicating with the seed cavity that facilitates growth of the roots, stem and/or other parts of the germinating and growing plant.

According to some example implementations, is a method for cutting a plant part and producing a plant clone from the cut plant part, the method comprising: simultaneously cutting the plant part and enclosing a resulting cut end of the plant part within an enclosure comprising a growth medium. In some aspects, the method is performed using the device as described herein. In some aspects, the method is for stem, root, scion or leaf cutting.

According to some example implementations, is a process of producing a plant product, comprising: cloning a plant by cutting a part thereof using the device and/or method as described herein; growing the plant clone; and harvesting a plant product from the plant clone. In some aspects, the process is for stem, root, scion or leaf cutting.

According to some example implementations, is a method of manufacturing a cloning device, comprising: forming first and second compartments, at least one of which comprising a cutter, the first and second compartments being shaped and configured to form an enclosure when in a closed position and the cutter being oriented to cut a plant part upon closing of the first and second compartments together; hingedly attaching the first and second compartments together; and mounting a growth medium within one or both of the compartments. In some aspects, the method comprises using a plant cutting device having one of more features as described herein.

According to some example implementations, is a kit comprising the plant cutting device described herein, a growth medium, and a larger plant container. In some aspects, the kit may comprise a seed of a plant.

According to some example implementations, the plant is a herbaceous, softwood, semi-hardwood or semi-ripe, and/or hardwood plant. Examples of the plant include but are not limited to Pothos, Tradescantia, Umbrella plant, African violets, rosemary, Philodendron, prayer plant, Boston fern, Peace lily, ZZ plant, Snake plant, Spider plant, aloe vera, bromeliad, ponytail palm, aster, butterfly bush, chrysanthemum, hydrangea, rose, salvia, boxwood, dahlia, gardenia, azalea, camellia, honeysuckle, angel's trumpet, dianthus, carnation, geranium, jade, lavender, penstemon, and/or veronica. In some aspects, any plant part, including but not limited to a root or leaf of a plant, can be placed in the plant cutting device for cutting and growing.

<FIG> schematically shows that the device <NUM> can include securing members <NUM> that are configured to secure the plant cutting in place in the closed position. In some cases, the securing members can be part of the compartments themselves, as shown in <FIG> for example. In other cases, the securing members can be distinct members can extend and/or have dedicated mechanisms for holding the plant cutting in place after it is cut. The securing members <NUM> can be complementarily shaped and configured to wrap or clamp around the plan part. The securing members <NUM> may span a certain height of the device and/or may be located at multiple locations along the height so that the plant part has several support points along the device.

Referring to <FIG>, the device <NUM> has compartments <NUM> and <NUM> that define an enclosure in the closed position, although it should be noted that the enclosure can have openings and can even be substantially "open" or porous as shown in the cage-like implementation of <FIG>. This enclosure-enabling structure can facilitate accommodating the growth medium <NUM> as well as housing and securing the plant cuttings.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>) for cutting and cloning a plant, the device (<NUM>) comprising:
first and second compartments that are operatively connected together and displaceable from an open position to a closed position defining an enclosure;
a cutter (<NUM>) mounted within at least one of the compartments and configured to cut a plant part when the first and second compartments are displaced to the closed position, a cut end of the plant part being accommodated within the enclosure; and
a growth medium disposed in the first compartment and/or the second compartment for contacting the cut end of the plant part.