Grow Your Own Arborvitae Trees for FREE! 🌲 #garden #junecity

Discover how to propagate arborvitae trees from cuttings using Clonex rooting gel and coco coir, allowing you to grow your own trees at no cost.

junecity.studio• Oct 20, 2026• 6 minutes

At a glance

Key Takeaways

Cost-Effective Gardening

Propagating arborvitae from cuttings saves money, allowing you to expand your garden without purchasing new plants.

Simple Steps to Success

Follow a straightforward process using Clonex rooting gel and coco coir to ensure successful propagation.

Common Mistakes

Avoid using old cuttings or overwatering to ensure the best chance of rooting success.

Why buy more arborvitae when you can grow your own? With the right techniques, you can propagate these resilient trees from cuttings, saving money and enhancing your garden. In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step process to successfully grow arborvitae trees from cuttings using Clonex rooting gel and coco coir.

Why Grow Arborvitae?

Arborvitae are popular evergreen trees known for their attractive foliage and ability to provide privacy and windbreaks in gardens. They are hardy, easy to care for, and can thrive in various conditions, making them a favorite among gardeners. These trees can grow up to 50 feet tall and are often used for hedging, screening, and as specimen trees. By growing your own, you not only save money but also customize your landscape according to your preferences.

Materials Needed

Clonex rooting gel
Coco coir
Sharp pruners or scissors
Small pots or trays
Water
Plastic bags or humidity dome
Labels for cuttings (optional)
Light source (grow lights or bright window)

Steps to Propagate Arborvitae Trees

Choose Healthy Cuttings: Select healthy branches from an existing arborvitae tree. Aim for cuttings that are 4-6 inches long, with several sets of needles. Look for new growth, which is more likely to root successfully. Avoid using cuttings from stressed or diseased plants.
Prepare the Cuttings: Using sharp pruners, cut just below a node (the point where needles grow). Remove any lower needles to expose the stem. This helps the cuttings focus their energy on root development rather than supporting foliage.
Apply Clonex Rooting Gel: Dip the cut end of each cutting into the Clonex rooting gel. This gel contains auxins that promote root initiation and development. Ensure that the cut end is well-coated, but avoid excess gel that may cause rot.
Plant the Cuttings: Fill small pots or trays with coco coir, which provides excellent drainage and aeration. Insert the cuttings into the coir, ensuring they are secure but not too tightly packed. Leave space between cuttings to allow airflow.
Water and Cover: Water the cuttings gently to moisten the coco coir without waterlogging it. Cover the pots with plastic bags or a humidity dome to retain moisture and create a greenhouse effect, which is crucial for rooting.
Provide Proper Conditions: Place the pots in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Ideal temperatures for rooting are between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If using grow lights, position them 12-18 inches above the cuttings and provide 12-16 hours of light daily.
Wait for Roots to Develop: In a few weeks, you should see roots developing. You can check by gently tugging on the cuttings; if you feel resistance, roots are forming. Be patient, as rooting can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks depending on conditions.
Transplanting: Once the cuttings have developed a strong root system, transplant them into larger pots or directly into your garden. Be sure to acclimate them to outdoor conditions gradually to reduce transplant shock.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cuttings that are too woody or old. Always choose fresh, green cuttings as they root better.
Overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure the coco coir is moist but not soggy.
Not providing enough humidity during the rooting process. Maintaining humidity is essential for successful rooting.
Forgetting to label your cuttings, especially if you are propagating different varieties. This will help you track their progress.
Neglecting to monitor light and temperature conditions. Both are critical for healthy growth.

Maintenance Tips for Young Arborvitae Trees

Once planted, young arborvitae trees benefit from regular watering and mulching to retain moisture. Water your trees deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture. Pruning may also be necessary to encourage healthy growth and shape. In the early years, focus on maintaining a central leader to promote a strong structure.

Conclusion

Growing your own arborvitae trees from cuttings is a rewarding and cost-effective project. With a bit of patience and the right materials, you can enhance your garden while saving money. Not only do you get to enjoy the beauty of these trees, but you also contribute to a more sustainable gardening practice. Start your propagation journey today and watch your garden thrive!