Thuja, commonly known as arborvitae, is a versatile and popular evergreen shrub prized for its elegant foliage and hardy nature. While propagating Thuja from cuttings may seem challenging, it can be a rewarding endeavor for home gardeners. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore two effective methods for propagating Thuja from cuttings, including a unique approach using aloe vera. With these methods, you can expand your garden with beautiful Thuja plants grown from your own cuttings.

Method 1: Softwood Cuttings

Softwood cuttings are taken from the current season’s growth, typically in late spring or early summer when the stems are still soft and flexible. Here’s how to propagate Thuja from softwood cuttings:

• Selecting and Preparing the Cuttings:
  • Choose healthy, vigorous stems from the upper portion of the Thuja plant. Cuttings should be approximately 4 to 6 inches long and taken from the tips of the branches.
  • Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove any lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
• Preparing the Potting Medium:
  • Fill a small container or seedling tray with a well-draining potting mix. Moisten the potting mix slightly to ensure good contact with the cuttings.
• Planting the Cuttings:
  • Dip the cut end of each Thuja cutting into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development.
  • Insert the cuttings into the prepared potting mix, spacing them evenly and ensuring that at least one leaf node is buried beneath the surface.

• Caring for the Cuttings:
  • Place the container in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid placing the cuttings in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to dry out.
  • Keep the potting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the cuttings regularly to maintain humidity around the leaves.
• Root Development:
  • Monitor the cuttings regularly for signs of root development, which typically occurs within 4 to 6 weeks. Gently tug on the cuttings to check for resistance, indicating that roots have formed.
• Transplanting:
  • Once roots have developed, carefully transplant the rooted cuttings into individual pots filled with potting soil. Continue to care for the young plants as they establish themselves in their new containers.

Method 2: Using Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel contains natural rooting hormones and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent alternative to synthetic rooting hormone powder. Here’s how to use aloe vera gel to propagate Thuja from cuttings:

• Preparing the Cuttings:
  • Follow the same steps for selecting and preparing Thuja cuttings as described in Method 1.
  • Harvesting Aloe Vera Gel:
    • Cut a mature leaf from an aloe vera plant and extract the gel from the inner portion of the leaf. You can use a knife to carefully slice open the leaf and scoop out the gel with a spoon.
    • Applying Aloe Vera Gel:
      • Dip the cut end of each Thuja cutting into the freshly harvested aloe vera gel. Ensure that the gel covers the entire cut surface of the cutting.
    • Planting and Caring for the Cuttings:
      • Follow the same planting and care instructions outlined in Method 1, from preparing the potting medium to monitoring root development.
    • Observing Root Development:
      • Monitor the cuttings regularly for signs of root development. Aloe vera gel may help expedite the rooting process and enhance the overall health of the cuttings.
    • Transplanting:
      • Once roots have developed, transplant the rooted cuttings into individual pots or directly into the garden soil. Provide ongoing care and maintenance as the young plants establish themselves.
    • Conclusion:
    • Propagating Thuja from cuttings is a rewarding and cost-effective way to expand your garden with these beautiful evergreen shrubs. Whether you choose to use traditional softwood cuttings or experiment with aloe vera gel, these methods offer reliable ways to propagate Thuja at home. With patience and care, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of Thuja plants grown from your own cuttings for years to come.