levéldugvány

A levéldugvány, or leaf cutting, is a method of vegetative propagation used in horticulture and botany. It involves taking a piece of a leaf, or sometimes an entire leaf, and inducing it to form roots and shoots, thereby developing into a new, independent plant. This new plant is genetically identical to the parent plant, a clone.

The process typically begins with selecting a healthy, mature leaf from the parent plant. This leaf is then detached, often with a portion of its petiole or stem attached. The cut surface is then exposed to conditions that encourage root and shoot formation. This might involve planting the cutting in a moist, well-draining medium, such as soil, perlite, or sand, and maintaining high humidity and appropriate temperature. In some cases, rooting hormones may be applied to the cut surface to accelerate the process.

Over time, adventitious roots will emerge from the cut end of the leaf or its petiole, anchoring the new plant and absorbing nutrients. Simultaneously, new shoots and leaves will develop, eventually forming a complete, viable plantlet. This method is particularly effective for certain species, such as succulents, African violets, and begonias, which possess a natural ability to regenerate from leaf tissue. Levél dugvány is a valuable technique for rapidly multiplying desirable plant varieties and for preserving specific genetic traits.