Starting Hibiscus Cuttings

This afternoon I started a few new hibiscus plants. As you can see, I have a couple of older plants that have gotten really overgrown. 

They definitely won't miss a few branches, and cutting these off will encourage new growth closer to the main stem. 

Before I  took the cuttings, I prepared the pots with good soil and a few rocks in the bottom to help with drainage. 

I trimmed the cuttings and pushed a few of them into the soil of each of the pots. 

Around each pot is elastic, which will hold down a gallon sized plastic bag. 

Once the bag is secured, I pull it out a bit and blow air into it, creating a greenhouse for the cuttings. 

Now, I'll put them in a sunny window and wait for the roots to grow! It will take several months, during which time I will only water them from the bottom, and make sure that they stay puffed up with air. Condensation buildup on the inside of the bag means that the moisture level is good. After a few months, I'll try to pull the cuttings out of the soil. They'll have roots and won't move! Then the bags can removed, and the plants can be transplanted.