Taking The Perfect Cuttings
How to Ensure Cuttings Survive and Thrive: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking to successfully propagate cuttings, it's crucial to follow the right steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
Essential Equipment for Successful Cuttings
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools at hand. Proper preparation is key to successful propagation.- Propagator
- Scalpel
- Clonex
- Measuring cup
- Seed cubes
- Propagation light
- Disinfectant (like Silver Bullet Mist)
12 Simple Steps to Propagate Cuttings Successfully
Follow these 12 steps to ensure your cuttings root effectively:
1. Clean and Sterilise
Start by cleaning and sterilising all your equipment, especially your propagator and scalpel. Use a reliable disinfectant like Silver Bullet Mist to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria.
2. Soak Your Cubes
Soak your cubes, blocks or plugs.
If pre-fertilised (like Jiffy Plugs) soak in dechlorinated water. Otherwise, use a rooting stimulant (like SHOGUN Katana Roots or VitaLinkPlant Start).
3. Prepare Clonex Rooting Gel
Pour some Clonex Rooting Gel into a small measuring jug.
You don't need much - you're only going to dip clones into it to seal the cut and stimulate rooting.
4. Select the Right Cuttings
You want to take cuttings that:
- Come from the lower third of the mother
- Have 3 - 4 leaves on them
- Are 7 - 8 cm long
Be careful not to remove more than 50% of the mother plant's foliage.
5. Take Cuttings
Make a clean, diagonal cut at the internodal intersection (where the branch meets the stem).
As a rule, you should take twice the number of cuttings you need, in order to account for any potential losses.
6. Remove Excess Foliage
Remove new leaves and shoots from the bottom half of your cutting.
7. Dip in Clonex Rooting Gel
Dip the exposed cut into Clonex Rooting Gel for a few seconds.
8. Check Jiffy Plugs
After 20 minutes, your Jiffy Plugs should be fully soaked and ready to receive the cuttings.
9. Create Hole
When they're ready, create a hole in your Jiffy Plugs using a pipette.
10. Insert the Cuttings
Carefully place each cutting into the prepared hole. Don’t forget to label them to keep track of which plant they came from.
11. Place Cuttings in the Propagator
Mist the top and sides of your propagator, then place your cuttings inside. Proper humidity is crucial at this stage.
12. Set Propagator
- Vents: closed (briefly open every 1 - 2 days)
- Temp: 22 - 24°C (4°C cooler at night)
- Humidity: 70 - 80% RH
- Light: run for 18 hrs a day
What Next?
After 7-14 days, your cuttings should develop roots, and you'll be ready to transplant them into larger cubes. Keep monitoring their progress to ensure they thrive.
