Just like softwood cuttings, semi-ripe cuttings also rely on photosynthesis to supply energy to produce new roots and shoots. There must be enough photosynthetic tissue (leaves) to meet these energy needs. However, until a healthy root system has been established, the water lost through leaves cannot be replaced easily; this means that having too many leaves can cause the cutting to die. As a compromise, it is best to trim off nearly all the leaves, leaving just three full-sized leaves and any immature leaves. You may need to reduce very large leaves by half to minimise water loss.

Semi-ripe cuttings are normally taken in midsummer through to early autumn using shoots from the current season's growth. The tissue is firmer and woodier than softwood cuttings, and so is less prone to wilting. However, they do take longer to root, and are often 'wounded' to speed up the process. This involves making a shallow cut, approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) up from the base of the cutting, and stripping away the bark from this point to the base. This stimulates the formation of roots from the wounded edge as well as the base of the cutting. Heel cuttings expose the swollen base of the season's growth, which may provide the cutting with added protection until it has produced roots.

Taking a Heel Cutting

1. Choose a non-flowering, healthy side shoot; this should be soft at the top and just hard at the base.
2. Pull the shoot away sharply from the stem so that you bring away a small heel of bark. Avoid peeling the shoot away as this may strip bark from the parent plant and encourage infection.
3. Trim away the leaves from the lower half of the stem using a clean, sharp knife. Remove any damaged tissue or long tails of bark.
4. To assist rooting and prevent fungicidal attack, dip the bottom 2.5 cm (1 in) of the cutting into hormone rooting powder.
5. Fill a small plastic pot with cuttings compost, make a hole using a dibber or pencil and insert the cutting.
6. Firm the cutting in gently and water.
7. To create a warm, humid atmosphere, place a small plastic bag over the cutting and fix it with an elastic band around the pot. Do not allow the bag to touch the leaves. Alternatively, place the cutting in a propagator.
8. Keep the cutting in a bright, draught-free spot, shading it from any direct sunlight.
9. Water daily with a fine mist and check for signs of disease.
10. When the cuttings have rooted, move them into larger pots. They may eventually be hardened off and planted out into the garden.