Last year I dug up and potted all my brugs and had the DH help me drag them into the house. Half went into the basement and half stayed upstairs next to assorted windows. Basically not too much difference between the two other than the upstairs one did not go quite as dormant , had a few more leaves..a LOT more mites and took up precious space in our house. The basement brugs lost almost all leaves but came out of dormancy fine and were happy once I brought them back outside.
This year I am going to attempt to overwinter cuttings in water with a bubbler. I may even go nuts and put some hydrogen peroxide in the water. I would like to put them in the basement. It's cooler down there. However there is a light issue. Large unfinished basement. four small windows. I have heard that cuttings need light. I was wondering if this is just general lore or if anyone has personal experience. I like the know the wherefore's and howto's of a subject so don't be affraid to get technical with me
Overwintering Cuttings
I have read so many threads about this, but don't really recall any specifics about light. Mine go in the greenhouse so I don't have that issue, so I probably just didn't pay enough attention. I am sure someone will know.
Sharon
Hi Jazz, light is only important if you are to grow all year, by putting them in little to no light will put them into dormancy, and that's what you want. Some of mine still grew with hardly any light last year.
I sure hope so Stownes. :)
Diamonds.. you are talking about cuttings right? Cause I heard this about plants but haven't about cuttings
This message was edited Oct 15, 2006 9:53 AM
yep i'm talking cuttings, and I'm only talking about my own experience, mine root just fine without supplemental lighting. If you have a well lighted area that's ok too, I'm just saying you don't need to provide additional lighting to get cuttings to root.
What about cuttings that aren't in water? Would anyone overwinter a few cuttings in a basement and let them go dormant? I have some that kereoke sent me that have all rooted fairly well in the little cups I put them in and now I need to bring them into the basement. Will they survive?
Oh Diamond123, you have made me very happy :)
Over Wintering cuttings as I see it ..........................
If you want to retard growth for overwintering cuttings and saving space at the same time .
Keep them in a cool room about 50 - 60 deg.
bright light but no full sun
glass container with fresh water.
no sun or food as this will just encourage algae.
Next Feb. when the days begin to lengthen pot em up ;))
Cuttings in soil are another story ...........................
Cuttings in soil can not survive dormancy . They will rot unless given optimal light and warmth to grow
but even then they can be touchy.
most of your established plants can live through the dormant period.