After you do a bit of research (have FUN), you might be able to hone your specific plant questions down a bit. You'll soon find out that there are many methods that have proven successful.

First of all, most plants (not all) can be propagated by cuttings. Some respond very readily while other are VERY challenging. Each plant species varies regarding the propagation requirements. Also, plants vary in their growth rate. Some plants DO propagate from root cuttings, others do not. New roots will only develop from the part (s) of the plant that contains the genetic information to produce new roots and shoots.

It's better for the plant to be propagated within a solid medium of some sort. Those who find that difficult simply haven't chosen the right medium or haven't mastered watering techniques. The medium does not have to be a potting mix, but can be pure perlite, sand, etc. It's most important the whatever you use be fast draining and very porous. Many plants root in water, but it's a poor start for them. They would root just as fast in a solid medium.

Attached is a google search using 'plant propagation' as the key words. You can do similiar searches using 'stem cuttings' or similiar words. For your bleeding heart question, you can search ' Bleeding Heart Propagation' for lots of suggestions.

Here is a link that might be useful: Plant propagation

Thanks rhizo! I did several searches before I posted, but for some reason I not finding anything directly related. The first time I heard of growing from a cutting is w/ a bleeding heart, I must've read it in a gardening book, but can't find which one. I vagely remember my mother telling me to do clippings of the lilac bushes when I was little. I think I tried, but nothing happened. I have a new house w/ only the little bit of landscapping I did last year. I was thinking of going to my mother's and getting some clippings of her plants. I just don't have the know how to do it. Last summer (yes in mid july) I dug up part of the root to her climbing roses, and it survived. Just wondering what else I can steal from her. :) I really want to do a cutting of her bleeding heart, but then again on the other hand, no landscape, no trees, means no shade. :(

I found this site after you're post, what are you're guys's thoughts on their directions?

Oh, one more question, isn't it just easier to split some of these plants?

Here is a link that might be useful: taking root cuttings-bestgardeing.com

Check out Mike McGroarty's free plants.com...he has lots of propagation articles and a homemade propagation system.
http://www.freeplants.com/frame%20set.htm

[Check out Mike McGroarty's free plants.com...he has lots of propagation articles and a homemade propagation system.
http://www.freeplants.com/frame%20set.htm]

Looks like a site trying to sell me something. I d/l the handbook, going to read it now, thanks!