Transport Cuttings

Q: I’d like to take a few camellia cuttings from the West Coast back home with me and root them. What is your advice for their safe transport by plane?

A: Take several ten-inch cuttings from the plant. Strip off the bottom couple of leaves from each cutting and wrap the base in moist toilet paper. Do the same for each of your cutting, then wrap all of the bases together with a moistened, damp paper towel. Put the cuttings in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag, pouring out any excess water. Bring the bag on the plane with you and keep it cool until you get home and start the propagation process.