Hello everyone,
I've been seeing a lot of threads lately on rooting cuttings (it's that time of the year), but I haven't found a single one (even in the past as far as I could tell) that describes the science behind it. We have all these methods listed describing how & when to root cuttings, but nothing describing the why. Understanding that I think will alleviate a lot of problems and common questions.
Rooting cuttings have totally difference needs than what most of us inexperienced rooters are used to. What I'm saying is.. we all have pretty good green thumbs (otherwise we probably wouldn't be on this forum), but you need a different kind of green thumb to root cuttings. Here's what I've gathered and hopefully someone can explain why in greater detail.
Differences between cuttings vs young to established fig trees:
1. Cuttings require a large amount of humidity.
2. Optimal rooting temperatures are between 70-80 degrees.
3. Cuttings do not need large amounts of light until leaves form. In fact, unnecessary light can actually dry out the cuttings?
4. Initially lightly water to help create humidity. Only when roots/leaves form it might be time to lightly water again since the initial watering.
5. Mold can be a serious issue & kill cuttings much more quickly than an established plant.
6. Light & airy soil mediums must be a priority for underdeveloped root systems.
Common pitfalls of rooting cuttings:
1. Mold.
2. Overwatering.
3. Not having enough patience when potting up or destroying roots when potting up.
4. Allowing cuttings to dry out.
I'll be updating these two lists as more information becomes available. If any of this is incorrect please let me know. I'm certainly no expert on rooting cuttings. Thanks!
-Ross
I've been seeing a lot of threads lately on rooting cuttings (it's that time of the year), but I haven't found a single one (even in the past as far as I could tell) that describes the science behind it. We have all these methods listed describing how & when to root cuttings, but nothing describing the why. Understanding that I think will alleviate a lot of problems and common questions.
Rooting cuttings have totally difference needs than what most of us inexperienced rooters are used to. What I'm saying is.. we all have pretty good green thumbs (otherwise we probably wouldn't be on this forum), but you need a different kind of green thumb to root cuttings. Here's what I've gathered and hopefully someone can explain why in greater detail.
Differences between cuttings vs young to established fig trees:
1. Cuttings require a large amount of humidity.
2. Optimal rooting temperatures are between 70-80 degrees.
3. Cuttings do not need large amounts of light until leaves form. In fact, unnecessary light can actually dry out the cuttings?
4. Initially lightly water to help create humidity. Only when roots/leaves form it might be time to lightly water again since the initial watering.
5. Mold can be a serious issue & kill cuttings much more quickly than an established plant.
6. Light & airy soil mediums must be a priority for underdeveloped root systems.
Common pitfalls of rooting cuttings:
1. Mold.
2. Overwatering.
3. Not having enough patience when potting up or destroying roots when potting up.
4. Allowing cuttings to dry out.
I'll be updating these two lists as more information becomes available. If any of this is incorrect please let me know. I'm certainly no expert on rooting cuttings. Thanks!
-Ross
Comment