Question
I have N. x efflugent koto.  over 3' tall.  I'd like to propagate it.  May I whack it off, dip in hormone and reroot it?  More exact procedure?

Answer
Hi Bruce,

The process of stem cuttings is fairly straight forward.  I'll give you a quick outline.  Keep in mind that it's easier to demonstrate this process than describe by words alone, so you should also check with other garden books about stem cuttings.

Where each leaf attaches to the vine is called a node.  Cut the vine, but leave at least 4 nodes (or leaves) on the base.  This will keep your mother plant healthy.  Make your cut between the nodes.

With the vine, start from the top and cut and cut off sections so that you have one or two nodes per section.  Next, cut each leaf in half.  This is to reduce moisture loss.

With each cutting, dip the bottom end in a rooting hormone.  We use Rootone?with good results.

Next, plant the cutting in moistened dried sphagnum moss.  You can find it at many garden centers.  It's usually sold as an orchid supply.  Make sure the end is in complete contact with the moss.  Keep the moss moistened at all times.  (If you have access to live sphagnum moss, use it.  Otherwise, the dried version will be fine.)

Place the cutting under strong fluorescent lights.  Follow the recommendations as outlined on our Nepenthes care sheet:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

The only difference with the lighting is that you should keep the lights on for 24 hours per day.  This will speed up the rooting process slightly.  

Many times it's not necessary to keep your cutting in high humidity, but if you see the significant browning or wilting, cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag.

In about 4 weeks, the ends of the cutting will split.  In another 4 weeks, roots will form.  This process is a bit longer than regular plants, so you'll need to be patient.  Avoid checking the cutting for roots to much.  I usually do it at weeks 4, 6 and 8.  Once you see roots, pot up your cutting in the recommend soil mix and water generously.  

In our second edition of our ebook, we will have an illustrated version of this process.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin