How To Propagate Night-Blooming Jasmine

Night-blooming jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) produces abundant white blooms and the distinctive jasmine fragrance. Also known as night-blooming jessamine, it grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. In zones 8 and 9 where freezes occur, the plant's foliage will die to the ground but generally sprouts again in springtime. Like many shrubs, the easiest method for propagating a night-blooming jasmine involves rooting a stem cutting from an existing plant.

Rooting a stem cutting from a healthy night-blooming jasmine gives you the start of a new plant in a short amount of time. Choose a healthy, vigorous night-blooming jasmine for taking a cutting. Look for new stem growth. Actively growing stems make the best cuttings for this plant because they will grow roots quickly. With night-blooming jasmine, you can take a cutting any time of the year the plant has new growth.

Step 1

Disinfect the pruners by dipping them in rubbing alcohol. Dry them with a clean rag. This prevents the spread of disease when you take a cutting.

Step 2

Place a small amount of rooting hormone — 1 teaspoon or less — on a saucer or in a small container.

Step 3

Mix equal parts peat and perlite and fill a small to medium flower pot. Use a flower pot that has drainage holes. Soak the mixture and allow excess water to drain. Poke holes in the planting medium a few inches apart and about 3 inches deep using a pencil. Cut off the bottom of a clear plastic jug, such as a juice container or milk jug, that will fit over the pot.

Step 4

Make a clean cut with the pruners below a node and about 6 inches from the tip of the stem. Take at least two cuttings so you have a better chance of successful propagation. Take the cuttings early in the day and wrap them in a moist paper towel to transport them to your other supplies.

Step 5

Remove all of the leaves on the bottom half, or cut side, of the stem only. Use pruning shears to snip the leaves off the cutting. Pinch off any flower buds on the stem and only leave approximately two leaves on the cutting. This allows the cutting to put all its energy into the development of roots.

Step 6

Roll the cut end of the stem in the rooting hormone you placed on a saucer. Coat about 1 inch of the end. Tap off excess and discard the leftover hormone.

Step 7

Place the hormone-covered end of each cutting into one of the holes in the planting medium. About half, or 3 inches, of the cut-end of the stem should be below the soil line. Continue to prepare, apply hormone and "plant" each cutting you took. Firm the planting medium around the cuttings. Place two cuttings in each container so you don't damage the newly formed roots by separating multiple plants and you can easily replant into a larger container when needed.

Step 8

Mist the leaves of the night-blooming jasmine stems. Cover the planter with the plastic jug. Place the cuttings in a bright spot, but out of direct sun.

Step 9

Water the planting medium and mist the leaves regularly. Don't let the medium dry out. When the cutting produces new growth, it has formed roots. Rooted cuttings will be snug in the container and root development should occur in approximately eight weeks. Re-pot into a larger container once the rooted cuttings have fully developed, or into an appropriate location outdoors.