Abstract: In order to explore the optimal conditions for softwood cuttings of Taxus chinensis var. mairei, and solve the difficulties in breeding of Taxus chinensis var. mairei. In this study, the effect of callus rate, mean root rate, mean root number and mean root length of Taxus chinensis var. mairei by 5 factors including hormone, disinfectant time, hormone treatment, cutting age and matrix was assessed in order to study the softwood cuttings of Taxus chinensis var. mairei. The results showed that: the hormones, cutting age and matrix had obvious effects of Taxus chinensis var. mairei softwood cuttings, but disinfection and hormone treatment time had no significant effects on cutting rooting. The optimal combination for cutting was A2B1C1D2E1 that was IBA 1000 mg/L+potassium permanganate disinfection in 30 s+hormones in 30 s+adult tree cuttings+peat and perlite in ratio of 1:1.