What type of propagation is practiced when using a cutting?

Using a cutting for plant propagation constitutes a method of asexual propagation. This process involves taking a portion of a plant—such as a stem, leaf, or root—and encouraging it to grow roots and develop into a new, independent plant. Asexual propagation is significant because it allows for the reproduction of plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, ensuring that specific desirable traits are retained, such as specific colors, sizes, or resistance to diseases.

In contrast, sexual propagation involves the use of seeds and the combination of genetic material from two parent plants, leading to offspring that may have varied characteristics. Natural propagation typically refers to the ways that plants propagate themselves in their environment without human intervention, which may involve both sexual and asexual methods depending on the species. Hybrid propagation involves crossing two different parent varieties to create a new hybrid that possesses traits from both. Therefore, the use of a cutting aligns distinctly with the practice of asexual propagation.