Vegetative propagation is the type of asexual reproduction that is generally observed in plants. There are two types of reproduction systems in plants namely the sexual reproduction and the second is the asexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction in plants takes place with the help of seed. Asexual reproduction in plants takes place with the help of roots, stems or leaves. There are different types of asexual or vegetative reproduction techniques like the grafting, air layering and cutting. Depending on the type of propagation, the type of species and the type of environmental situations the period of propagation changes. Out of these the vegetative propagation by use of cuttings is the cheapest and the convenient amongst all. There are various methods used for propagating cuttings. The most common among those are the Hydroponics and mist propagation. Hydroponics is generally used for small scale projects. Mist type of propagation is used generally when large quantities of rooting are to be developed. It is also used when rooting of a difficult species is to be carried out.

For any cutting to start its rooting, temperature and water are the two extremely important factors that one should control. The propagating mixture can dry if watering is not done continuously. In such situations automatic misting plays a vital role. The automatic misting system is always accompanied with a heating system. This can reduce the danger of drying out of the propagating mixture. In the misting mechanism water is sprayed on to the cuttings and seedlings. This is done automatically by setting a timer device or sensor. The sensors are used in detecting the dryness of the leaves. The most commonly used sensor is the mechanical sensor, which has a leaf, which is made, by a wire mesh. This wire mesh is supported on a pivot, which in turn is connected to a mercury switch. When water falls on the leaves the leaves swing down. Because of this the electrical contact breaks and the switch is turned off. This results in cutting off the supply of these plants. When the leaf starts to dry it swings up and establishes an electrical contact again which results in operation of the solenoid valve. When the solenoid valve is turned on the water supply is also turned on. This is how automatic misting is achieved in the vegetative plant

Propagation.

If an automatic misting system is set up properly there is no need to take care of the seedlings and the cuttings. This method would not work out for some plants in which if the leaves were continuously wet results in a fugal growth. This can result in the death of the plant. Such plants are generally kept in a drier atmosphere.