These conditions can be provided by placing a clear piece of plastic over the propagation area. This causes condensation to form on the underside of the plastic that provides the necessary humidity. Adequate ventilation is also required toavoid disease problems. The plastic covering should be placed such that aircan flow freely around the cuttings as they root. Temperature: For best results, maintain day temperatures at 70 degrees F. During winter months, soil can be as much as 10-20 degrees less than air temperature, so provide bottom heat when possible. Ideal rootzone temperatures for most plants are approximately 70-75 degrees F. Rooting Hormones: Rooting hormones are often used to promote root formation. These materials provide supplemental auxin, a naturally occurring plant hormone that is responsible for root development. The basal end of the cutting is dipped into the chemical prior to sticking it into the propagationmedium. These products come in different strengths and will vary according to the type of plant being propagated. Stem and Section Cuttings: There are two types of stem cuttings: tip cuttings, which include the apex or plant tip and a small portion of the stem; and section cuttings, which include a 2- to 3-inch section of stem (not including the apex or plant tip> and leaf joint. To take a tip cutting, select a section of stem with a healthy crown of leaves at the end. Carefully remove the lower foliage to leave a section of bare stem to insert into the propagation media. Bottom heat, provided by a heating cable, will encourage rooting. Generally,cuttings do best with a media temperature of approximately 75 degrees F. Plants Propagated from Stem Cuttings: Plants which can be propagated from stem cuttings include the following: *.African Violet – tip cutting *.Acalypha (Red-hot cat tail) – stemcuttings *.Aglaeonema (Chinese evergreen)– tip cuttings* *.Begonia – tip and stem cuttings* *.Beloperone (Shrimp Plant) – tip cuttings *.Brassaia actinophylla (Schefflera) tip cuttings *.Christmas cactus – tip cuttings *.Cissus (Grape Ivy) – tip cuttings or stem cuttings *.Citrus – tip cuttings *.Coleus – tip cuttings* *.Crassula (Jade Plant) – tip cuttings* *.Croton – tip cuttings *.Cordyline terminalis – tip cuttings* *.Dieffenbachia – tip cuttings* *.Dracaena (Ti Plant) – stem and tip cuttings* *.Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant) – tipcuttings *.Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig) – tip cuttings *.Fittonia – tip cuttings *.Geranium – tip cuttings* *.Hedera (Ivy) – stem cuttings* *.Helxine (Baby’s Tears) – stem cuttings *.Hoya carnosa (Was Plant) – tip cuttings *.Impatiens – tip cuttings* *.Maranta (Prayer Plant) – tip cuttings *.Monstera – tip cuttings *.Nepthitis – tip and stem *.Peperomia – tip cuttings *.Philodendron – tip and stem cuttings* *.Pothos – tip and stem cuttings* *.Pilea cadierea (Aluminum Plant) –tip cuttings* *.Plectranthus (Swedish Ivy) – tip cuttings and stem cuttings* *.Podocarpus – tip cuttings *.Poinsettia – stem cuttings *.Selaginella (Resurrection Plant) – tip cuttings Asterisk* indicates these are particularly easy to propagate. Rooting Plants in Water: Some plants root so readily from stem or tip cuttings they can be started in plain tap water. The water must be kept clean and well aerated for best results. A bright location out of direct sunlight is best. After roots are formed plants should be transferred to individual pots, or grouped together ina hanging basket. The following plants are among the easiest to root in plain water: *.African violet (Saintpaulia) *.Begonia *.Cissus (Grape Ivy) *.Coleus *.Cordyline terminalis (Ti Plant) *.Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) *.Hedera (English Ivy) *.Helxine (Baby’s Tears) *.Impatiens *.Philodendron oxycardium (Heart Leaf)
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 08:17:44 +0000
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