Preparation

 

Take cuttings as pictured on the right. Applying rooting hormone on unrooted cuttings will aid in rooting uniformly. Even the smallest excess of hormones may cause severe damage use sparingly.

 

 

Air Temperature

 

Temperatures of 15-20 degrees Celsius should be maintained during rooting. Ideally the cutting should receive bottom heat to keep the planting media temperature at 20-22 degrees Celsius.

 

 

Watering Cuttings

 

Moisten just enough to prevent wilting. Excessive misting can leach nutrients from the cuttings or create conditions for Botrytis infections to develop. There is a fine line between wet and dry. Change duration of misting. Short bursts are better. Stop misting after six days. Shading for first couple of weeks helps The cuttings can receive full sunlight as soon as they develop roots.

 

 

Fertilizer

 

Can be applied two weeks after planting.Fertilize with 10-52-10, and as always read the label.

 

 

Ventilation

 

To prevent Botrytis keep humid air moving using a horizontal fan. Keep leaves dry at night.

 

 

Fungicides

 

Use two weeks after planting or when rooting occurs. Cleaning off old leaves and dis-budding will also control disease. When rooted out put into 4” or 6” pots in professional planting mix.