- 1). Cut off four to six, 6-inch sections of new stems growing on the patchouli that have two to three sets of leaves in the spring. Make the cut just beneath a node.
- 2). Remove the leaves on the lower half of the patchouli plant's stem. Cut any full-size leaves in half on the upper section to reduce water loss.
- 3). Fill a pot with a well-drained soilless potting mix. Dampen the mix and make holes with a stick or straw for each patchouli cutting. Space the holes just far enough apart so the cuttings do not touch.
- 4). Pour a small amount of the rooting hormone in a small plastic bag. Dip the lower half of each plant cutting into the bag to coat it with the hormone.
- 5). Place the cuttings carefully into the holes without disturbing the rooting hormone. Use your finger to firm the growing media against the cuttings.
- 6). Put the straw (or a stick) in the center of the pot, or place two or three around the edges of the pot. Cover the pot with the large plastic bag and cut a few holes in the bag for air circulation. The straws will prevent the plastic from touching the patchouli plant cuttings and the bag will hold moisture in.
- 7). Set the pot in a warm, well-lit location away from direct sunlight. Check the cuttings a couple times a week and water as needed to keep the soilless mix moist.
- 8). Wait four weeks or longer to check the patchouli cuttings for roots. Gently lift each cutting by hand to see if roots are forming or pull on the cutting for signs of resistance, which means roots are developing. This plant typically requires a long time to root. If no roots are present, continue to monitor the growing media's dampness and check for roots again in another month.
- 9). Gradually lessen the amount of humidity for the patchouli plant cuttings when roots begin to grow. Open the bag slowly over several days until the cuttings are completely uncovered.
- 10
Replant each patchouli cutting into a separate pot or into the landscape when the plants are growing well.
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