Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Help with taking cuttings needed, 1 by Kell

Kell wrote:
Yes! I root them all time. But not in water but I bet you could start them in water. I let my suckers grow on the mother plant because they grow much faster on her root system for it is so big. When the are tall enough for a good alley tree, I cut them off or even saw them if they are too thick.

I bring all my supplies to under a tree (here I have warm weather still). I cut off all the twiggy top growth and leaves, leaving just the bones of a good canopy. I stick them in a 5 or 15 gallon pot depending on what kind of support I need for the tall trunk. I put the trunk all the way to the bottom of the pot. You get a much better plant this way for your roots get massive much faster. I water the soil well. If needed, I use the tree for support to hold the tree upright. And then I do the hardest part. I leave it totally alone!!! As this is October, I might water this once a month but only if I need to.

Here is one I cut last weekend and potted. It is 7 ft tall. It has a very thick trunk. It is tucked in the empty pot corner of my yard that has a lot of overhead protection from trees. It wll stay here for the winter.

edited to caution you to make sure your plant is well hydated before you cut. Make sure your plant is NOT stessed before you cut. Its last drink must last until it grows more roots to get another drink.

This message was edited Oct 1, 2004 1:50 PM