I want to split the trunk into two plants. I was thinking something along the lines of jumping on it with a big shovel and getting two plants. Smart move or not? This was my favorite brug last summer.
It's Arlene's Pink Beauty.
Okay experts I need some advice
Close up of the trunk part....
Here she is in LATE fall...
I am not the expert.... wait for expert to answer the question.
I recently lost Pink Beauty! It was pretty. I think I got it from Alrene two years ago.. It died.
Kristi, I would just cut off at the base, the one that is not as straight. The remaining one with roots, I would cut off some of the roots then sit it in a new pot straight up so you get a straight tree.
The cut off piece, just stick the end in rootone, or not. Put in wet soil, in the SHADE. Esp now in spring, it would root with no problem. I have also covered the tops in moist but airtight, plastic bags to keep them from wilting.
I do this all the time even on suckers that are 8 ft tall!!! I did 3 huge ones from Big Yella late last year and they all rooted and took off this spring.
If you are real nervous about losing one, airlayer. Just take wet moss and put all the way around the base of the trunk and then crinkle up foil tight around it and squench it together. But I would just cut that one off and root it.
Thanks Kell. I'm off to give it a try right now. This one didn't winter over well. I was afraid I was going to lose it. Of course I took ZERO back up cuttings. I'm glad it made it. Two trunks and all.
Speaking of Big Yella, I have mine planted and up and on the pool deck. It's going to take center stage this season.
Mini- I'll root you a start as soon as mine grows some arms, LOL....
LOL Kristi, I just saw that you asked for experts. Well I jumped right in, sorry.
But I do take lots of huge cuttings. I took 4 big ones before I left for back East. I had cut them off and left them in water a few days before I left. Then I remembered them and tossed them in 5 gallon cans fast, the morning I left. They did great. Dropped lots of leaves (usually I take off the big ones) but did not even wilt. They were between 2 ft and 5 ft, one was an EP and the other probably was PB. I thought I would never forget but of course I have and I did not tag them!! LOL
Kristi, you can do what you first suggested. Split the 2 in the middle and try to keep as much root as possible with each piece. Both should grow just fine. Probably both pieces will send out new shoots at the base after separating. Good luck.
Kristi, it looks to me like both trunks have roots.
I had this once on Rosie. With a saw, I cut it in halves right on the line. After desinfection and drying for about 30 Min. they were potted.
Thanks again for the advice. I've yet to do anything to it, but will split them in two.
These little guys are keeping me busy. I have the momma dog and her five puppies. I'll be keeping them until they are adopted out. She came from a shelter in rural West Virginia where they gas the dogs if they don't get adopted.
This message was edited Apr 29, 2004 4:40 PM
Awww....he/she is adorable. You sure are a sucker for a cute face. Thought you just got rid of three dogs? You are so lucky your kids don't have a fit when dogs have to go back.
I know Gloria. I'm way beyond the point of sucker. I'm just plain DUMB right now.... Yep- the other pups all found homes. This is the LAST bunch for the summer.
How are you doing?
((hugs))
The momma dog. She's SO sweet and smart.
One more question. When I repot should I use a small pot? Thanks-
Hi Chicken Little- yep, they've been out for about two weeks (full time)now. I refuse to drag them back in. At this point I'm done wondering what in the heck the weather is going to bring. I'm ready for summer. It was a LONG winter.
The pots should be just large enough, that the root ball fits into it. It is one half of a rootball anyway LOL!
Kristi, make sure, that you treat the cut with a fungus and bacteria killing product before you pot the plants.