problem with rooting..........or lack of

Is it just me or does commercial rooting powder,for lack of a better word SUCK?It seems like all my cuttings wilt and die.Any suggestions? Should I root them in water instead?

What are you trying to root? I use a liquid hormone which allows one to adjust the strength of what you are doing. Timing is also a very critical factor with cuttings. Bottom heat can also make a big difference. There are several factors to consider, there are some plants that root in water and very easily but most things require correct timing, rooting hormone strength, and rooting medium.

I'm trying to root plants that typically root easily pothos and scheflerra.So I really feel like a brown thumber:)My coleus cutting didn't make it either

A few ideas/pointers:

1) Yes, the powder can be problematic - especially if it's old (it loses its potency after a while, and should be replaced.) Also, you should always pour a little into another container when dipping stems in it, then discard whatever's left in that container, rather than dumping it back in the canister.

2) Liquid rooting hormone seems to be preferred by a lot of folks - you'll see it at the Garden Centers along with the powdered stuff. (Look for "root stimulator")

3) If you want to stick with the powder, too much of a good thing is still too much :) When you dip in the stem, gently tap off any excess.

4) Be sure you've already dibbled a hole (I like a pencil for smaller stuff) before inserting the the stem, and then press the soil up to it. (Making the hole with the stem pushes off most of the hormone.) Bottom water so the hormone isn't washed away from the stem before it has a chance to "do its thing."

5) Medium is pretty important, as is controlling humidity. A good setup is a clean 2 litre coke bottle, with the top half cut almost all the way off (leave a little for a "hinge"), fill with sterile mix, vermiculite, sand, or perlite and moisten. When you've inserted your cuttings, flip the top closed and watch it closely for several days. When the plants start to put out roots they'll resist tugging on them, you can start hardening them off by removing the screw-on cap, then gradually propping the top up more and more.

6) The more leaves your cuttings have, the more they will transpire. Strip off all but a few leaves for best results. For many plants, make sure at least some of those leaf nodes are treated with rooting hormone and then inserted beneath the soil line, as roots will grow from those nodes.

Hope that helps!

Thanks so much for the info I think I realized what I've been doing wrong The coke bottle idea is ingenius I can't wait to try it.I'll keep you posted on the results,cross your fingers me:)

Good advice from Terry!

bluesky, the three you list are usually easy to root in water, might be worth a try! Just do not let the water get cloudy or the cuttings will rot.

Pothos,though, is so easy to root in just water. I do it all the time. Set it on the kitchen window and make sure the cuttings have enough water (because of evaporation). In just a few weeks, you have at least one really good tap root. Keep it in longer, and you have good roots and with several, can make your own hanging basket.

Here's a cool picture of a different one I found on the net: http://www.epinions.com/Flowers-Windowbox_Pothos_and_Boots
And here's a picture of what I'm rooting now.

Thanks alot everyone.Now I have some new ideas to try.Granny you root your cuttings in the nicest containers... nothing like the ratty old plastic things I use:)

bluesky, it's called recycling ... ;-)