Well folks, we might as well get aquainted - cause I'm gonna be asking alot of questions...
I work at a garden center part time and tonight I got to unpack a shipment of AV's . Shipment was shocking to one box and there were quite a few loose leaves. Being the gardener that I'm attempting to be, well I kinda brought the leaves home with me... a hundred or so... Somewhere in all of these mixed up - have no clue who's what jumble, is a leaf or two that might grow for me. They all cried out to me for another chance. They are Optimeras of different varieties, for a local "box" store. I have a web site to go to for id's - but won't have any right away. Otherwise the leaves are in great condition. I have them where they won't dry out.
So - how do you do the leaf propogation properly? School me, but...
Be gentle - I'm new at this...
Thanks for your help...
Swoz
I was adopted tonight... Need help
haha, welcome :-)
check out the sticky thread on top for tips and links.
one of the links is to Rob's Violets http://www.robsviolet.com/violets_by_leaf.htm
You want relatively stable temps - humanly comfortable temps. A humid environment, only just-moist airy light potting medium....
and a couple of other tips for fast propagation - if the leaf stems are long enough, cut them again UNDER WATER. Also, trim off the tip of the leaf to encourage the leaf not to grow bigger ;-)
Welcome, Swoz! You can do this leaf propagation thing!
Keyring already pointed you to my favorite link for instructions (step by step with pictures). A potting mix with at least half perlite (other half regular soilless potting medium) should work well. Unless you're in a really humid area (like FL), you might have better luck covering your leaf pots to provide a higher humidity environment that will help keep the leaves crisp while they grow roots. I like to poke a few holes in my humidity dome, seems to keep conditions just right... With that many leaves, you might want to use a tray or something where you can put down bunch of leaves rather than potting them up individually. I've been having great luck lately with plastic take-out containers, poking holes in the bottom for watering and in the top for ventillation, then adding about an inch and a half of moist (not sopping wet) potting mix before sticking the leaf cuttings.
Good luck, and have fun!
Hey you hit the jackpot.lol you can do it, they might not all make babies but at least some will. always a thrill
Whew!
You've got some work ahead of you....but likely some rewards to go along with it!
I agree...you can do it!
Good luck to you, and keep us posted on your progress?
Oh Ladies - I do have my work cut out for me... Thank you for your responses... Good thing it's a long weekend..
Ok - so why do you cut the leaves under water?
I'll try to keep you posted on my progress as I go along. Gotta make some space for the new babies....
Just don't laugh at me too hard...
Swoz
cutting stems under water is done because it helps roots form faster. (that much has been "proven" by propagation maniacs) Supposedly it is because it prevents air pockets from immediately forming over the cut, preventing water absorbtion and root formation (or something like that).
There's a lot of info great links with pictures in our Sticky too ! The first thread into our forum. Godd luck have fun ! There's nothing better than growing AV's by leaf !
Oh My I Just Noticed swoznick's Birthday is today! Happy Birthday Swoz! Hope your newly adopted AV project is going well! Keep us posted.Have a Great Birthday!! : ) Nancy
Well better wish Happy Birthday as well! Hope it is a very good day for you.
Thanks for reminding us cedarnest!
Shucks I sent a picture but it doesn't show...must have been a gif...
Joanne
This message was edited Sep 14, 2006 8:25 AM
Awww - thanks folks!!! That is so sweet of you to remember me. I don't have an update on the AV family yet - just waiting with "Budding" breath...
Thanks for making my birthday special!!
Swoz
Happy Birthday Swoz!