Just wondered how everyone starts their cuttings. Water or dirt? I've always started mine in water, then switched to soil later when I got around to it.
If you use soil first, do you use a rooting hormone?
Hugs* Kristi/ datdog
Rooting cuttings, your method?
I have had the best luck using hardwood cuttings.....all but one green tip cutting I ever had has rotted:)
I put the hardwood cutting in a glass and then add 1 to 2 inches of room temp. water. Change the water every day, and after about 7 days or so in a warm but shady spot it shows white pre-roots some people call lenticels. At that time, I plant it in good potting soil....just add enough water to the soil to be able to call it moist (nearly dry). Set the pot in warm place, such as on top of refrigerator, out of direct sunlight until green leaves start growing. Then allow it to have sunlight or put under grow lights.
I have had near 100% success with this method:)
Owen
the only time I use rooting hormone is when I take itty bitty side shoots, I start them in sand. But all others I start in promix, keep barely damp, and in shade until they have leaves.
I do have some really woody cuttings inside in water, they can take it a long time without going bad.
Generally I put my hardwood cuttings in Pro-Mix and completely moisten the soil. Then I place in a well lit, but not direct sun, location. If it happens to rain on them they don't seem to care. Usually there will be roots within about three weeks. I've also taken two foot cuttings and put them in buckets of water, changing the water frequently. They get tons of roots, but when potted up, need a shady place for a while to adjust to being in soil. Have rooted greenwood cuttings in a glass of water, again changing the water every day or two. I've always said that whatever works for you is the way to go. I don't use rooting hormones on any of my cuttings, but have not had 100% luck with the greenwood cuttings either. Be careful not to use water that comes through a water conditioner. My friend did that last fall and had horrible luck with her cuttings and other plants. Maybe it was just her luck, but I wouldn't try it to find out. Good luck with your cuttings Kristi.