Greetings!
I am new to the world of Brugmansia, and I would really like to get several varieties going here in the yard, both planted and in containers. I live in zone 9a, which can experience extremely hot summer temps (e.g.95 F today). I recently purchased some nice cuttings of about a dozen varieties, and am looking for any propogating advice from you serious 'bruggers' to help increase my chances of success!
Some initial thoughts:
1) should plastic (bottle, bag, etc.) be put over the potted cuttings to keep humidity levels up? It is very dry here in Hemet.
2) when is a good time to start with fertilizer?
3) shade only until they are rooted?
4) how wet should I keep them?
5) when will new leaves appear to give me an indication of life? when they appear, is it time to put in bigger pots?
6) I've heard that rooting hormone is not necessary with these because they root so easily...true?
Any help will be very much appreciated!
Thanks! -Guy
Brug Newbie - Cuttings
Are the cuttings woody - or are they green tip cuttings? The green ones are harder to root.
bugguy....you have e-mail
1) should plastic (bottle, bag, etc.) be put over the potted cuttings to keep humidity levels up? It is very dry here in Hemet.
A. mine like it drier. overwatering (and humidity) lead to rot here. of course it depends on whether they are woody or green, woody can take more water, but still don't like too much until rooted.
2) when is a good time to start with fertilizer?
A. after you see new growth. start lightly
3) shade only until they are rooted?
A. yes, and then gradually introduce to light. I have some still in the shade, I need to move.
4) how wet should I keep them?
A. cuttings??? just this side of dry
5) when will new leaves appear to give me an indication of life? when they appear, is it time to put in bigger pots?
A. the bigger the pot, the more they grow. At this time of year, cuttings need to be in at least one gallon, and could probably last the winter that way.
6) I've heard that rooting hormone is not necessary with these because they root so easily...true?
A. the only time I use hormone is when I take a teeny little side shoot cutting. if you can let them grow longer, they won't need it.
remember, this is just the way I do it. Everyone has their own method that works for them.
Bugguy, you are smart to realize conditions are different all over. when i have enough soil i root in 1-3 gallon pots, some i stick straight in 5 gallon pots. roots are not disrupted moving up this way, and the fast growing roots will get a chance go grow down before they grow out. the real experts totally disagree with this theory. It works great for me and everyone else that i know has tried it. i have stuck cuttings straight in the ground before. i am in 98% humid florida, i never put plastic or bottles on anything i am rooting, not necessary here. about the only way to kill a brug cutting is too much water. kell and i have had the same experience, mine was in spring this year, the cuttings laid on their sides almost touching the soil. i just ignored them and they all rooted.
some people start the hard wood cuttings in water, when roots start to form they transplant. these are fast growing and pretty plants.
poppysue..they are all woody. thanks to all for the tips! i am really excited about getting these cuttings going - I will definitely make sure I don't overwater, which seems to be one of the most important factors in their success.
I lived in Rialto, CA for a VERY long time and my experience with burgs there is that they LOVED the climate and dryness. My biggest chore was keeping them under control sizewise because they lived year around in the yard.
Janette