Crepe Myrtle Cuttings: A Complete Guide
If you’re new to propagating plants, crepe myrtle is one of the easiest and most rewarding species to start with. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process – from choosing your cuttings to getting them established.
Grow a tree from Cuttings?
Crepe myrtle cuttings are reliable because they root quickly and grow vigorously.
I’ve had great success with them over the years, and the best part? You can get free plants for your garden.Late summer is ideal – that’s when the wood is semi-hardwood and ready to root. In California, August is perfect. Look for healthy, green branches that aren’t too young or too old.
Step 1: Choose Your Cuttings
Select healthy branches about 6-8 inches long from the base of the tree. Choose the “suckers” that are about the diameter of a pencil. Less then that diameter the small tree may not be viable. Fat, thick suckers may not root. They should be bendable and not yet woody, but strong enough to hold the plant architechture above. Remove leaves where the cutting will go below the soil. I took 20 cuttings last year, knowing not all will survive – that’s normal.
Step 2: The Soaking Trick
I always soak my cuttings in water for 4-7 days before potting. Some will dry up in the water. These cuttings were never going to survive anyway. This saves you the hassle of trying to pot up cuttings that wouldn’t have survived the move to soil. As hard as it is to watch, every step of this process, some will not survive. 
Step 3: Prepare the Aloe Vera Rooting Compound
I use aloe vera instead of commercial rooting hormones for several reasons:
- It’s natural and free
- It contains compounds that promote root growth
- It’s sustainable and self-sufficient
Important: Always let fresh aloe vera weep before using. After cutting, let it sit for 15 minutes to a half-hour. The latex will weep out, then you’re ready to use it. Apply the center mucus-y slime to the cutting generously. Allow the aloe to dry on the cutting for 15 minutes or so before putting the cutting into the soil. Do watch the YouTube video on this step- it’s super helpful!
Step 4: Potting and the Moisture Challenge
This is where many people lose cuttings. This is normal.
The Plastic Problem: I know I know- PLASTIC. But, keeping the humidity high is crucial. You need to maintain super moist conditions while the cuttings establish.
Alternatives to Consider:
- Reuse a plastic bag
- Old cloiches
- DIY a miniature greenhouse box
Step 5: The Transition
When you can see new leaves coming in the spring next year, or a slight tug on the cutting gives a resistance showing it has roots, you can start removing the plastic. Do not take it off and leave it off! The most critical moment is moving cuttings from the humidity dome to open air. The key is gradual acclimation – opening it for a short period of time and then lengthening that time each daywill give you strong little trees. Gradually increasing the exposure time is crucial here.
What I’ve Learned
I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way. The soaking method has saved me time at the beginning. Making the extra time during the “hardening off” (when you begin to expose the new trees to the open air) season is most important.
Do try taking some crape Myrtle cuttings this year! at the end of summer, when there is so little color, these trees provide a burst of joy in the gardens!
Happy growing!
