What Is a Leaf Bud Cutting? One Leaf, One Bud, Short Stem
A leaf bud cutting is a small cutting made of one leaf blade, its petiole plus a short piece of stem with an axillary bud. It lets one stem yield many new plants.
The short answer
NC State Extension notes a leaf bud cutting is made of the leaf blade, the petiole plus a short stem piece with an axillary bud. It suits trailing vines or times when space or material is limited. Each node can become a cutting. Cover the bud about 1 inch deep plus leave the leaf exposed.
What parts make up a leaf bud cutting?
| Part | Role | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf blade | Makes food for the cutting | NC State |
| Petiole | Joins the leaf to the stem | Iowa State glossary |
| Axillary bud | Grows into the new shoot | NC State |
| Short stem piece | Forms roots | NC State |
Source: NC State Extension plus Iowa State glossary.
When should you use a leaf bud cutting?
NC State notes the method works well for trailing vines plus when you have little space or few stems. Each node can become a cutting, so one vine yields many starts.
How to: step by step
- Choose a node with a well developed axillary bud.
- Cut the stem just above plus below the petiole.
- Fill a pot with moist perlite, which Iowa State notes holds water plus air.
- Set the stem so the bud sits about 1 inch deep.
- Hold the leaf above the mix.
- Cover with a bag or a dome for humidity.
Troubleshooting
Wilting leaf: low humidity. Iowa State advises a bag or dome.
Soggy mix: overwatering. Perlite drains faster.
No shoot appears: weak bud. Choose a node with a plump bud.
Read make cannabis clones, cannabis nodes plus internodes plus cannabis leaf anatomy. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Extension Gardener Handbook, chapter 13: Propagation, NC State Extension
- How to propagate houseplants by stem tip cuttings, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Cutting types: heel cuttings, UF/IFAS Plant Propagation
- Plant identification terminology: an illustrated glossary, Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program
FAQ
What is a single node cutting?
NC State calls it a modified leaf bud cutting. Cut the stem below plus above a petiole that has a well developed axillary bud.
Can I root a leaf bud cutting in water?
Iowa State notes water roots are coarse. Change the water one to two times a week plus move the cutting to mix when roots are about 1 inch long.
Why leave the leaf exposed?
NC State advises covering only the bud plus stem about 1 inch deep. The leaf stays above the mix to make food for the cutting.
What is a node?
The Iowa State glossary defines a node as the spot on a stem where leaves or buds attach. Each node can give one leaf bud cutting.
What medium works for leaf bud cuttings?
Iowa State notes perlite holds a good balance of water plus air. Use a pot with drainage plus cover it for humidity.
