I have followed everyones suggestion on rooting these plumies. I have them on very warm concrete, planted in a very fast draining soil. They are developing leaves, and seem to be growing. I have had them in soil for about a week after letting them callous over. The trunk is shriveling up and feeling kinda soft. I have checked below the soil and they are not rotting. I try and mist everyday. What is causing the softness? Is there something else that I need to be doing? These are huge cuttings and like everyone else, I really don't want to lose these. Please help!!
Melanie
Causes??
Melanie, I wouldn't worry and would just be patient. Large cuttings root fast. Some cuttings that are rooting will inevitably become soft and wrinkled until the roots can take up water on their own. I have had this happen many times. I had one that looked so bad that I kept removing the soil to have a look at the bottom. Each time I did that, I could see a very swollen cambium at the bottom, which is the start of roots -- not enough to take up water but the start of roots. Mist more often and water when the soil is dry to keep the tissue hydrated until roots form. Remember that it takes 90 days to develop a good root system so patience is part of the process!
I was just wondering if it would do any good to put a saucer under your pot and water the cutting thoroughly with a weak solution of fertilizer and Super Thrive. Leave it for a while and then let it drain. I have soaked shrivelled cuttings for a day before potting them and they have plumped up.
Clare, do you think that would cause any harm?
I wouldn't recommend the saucer under the pot because you don't want the soil to become saturated. You want the soil to be quick-draining. If the soil gets too wet, it will have a hard time drying with no roots to help. I don't think fertilizer is helpful at this stage when there are no roots, but misting with water with Superthrive added is fine. Anything that you can do to increase the humidity of the surrounding air is good. I prefer misting frequently, but I have, on occasion, used a plastic bag over the cutting and sealed it at the soil line to increase the humidity around the cutting. I do this for scions also when I graft, but the air here is very dry, and that might not be needed in your area, depending upon your humidity levels.
I conccur with Clares advice here.
When that baby roots it will drink plenty.
Patience is key. ;^)