My cuttings need your help !

bonsi-1973 · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject: My cuttings need your help !

http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn206/dbradley1973/

The above picture is my Chinese Elm cuttings. I took the cuttings about 5 - 6 leafs down then took off the bottom 2 leafs and cut up to the node. dipped the ends in rooting powder and planted in akadama recommended to me and potting compost, but as you can see they don't look healthy. Please help as I want to succeed.
Thanks Darren

keithmart · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 6:14 pm Post subject: Re: My cuttings need your help !

Hi

One thing is missing, you will need to keep the air around them very moist. Normally this is achieved by using a plastic bag or clear cut down bottle.

The leaves will transpire, and as there are no roots the cutting is unable to take up moisture with the result that the cutting will die. By keeping the whole cutting in a moist atmosphere there is less transpiration, and the cuttings will be encouraged to develop roots.

The main problem is botrytis, a fungus that attacks the plants with fatal results. This is why you will need to spray the cuttings with a anti fungal treatment immediately after planting.

These cuttings will probably not survive, but you can try again with the next flush of growth you get.

Surrey John · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject: Re: My cuttings need your help !

Keith - what a perfect, classical answer! beautiful! Cool

SJ.

bonsi-1973 · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:07 pm Post subject: Re: My cuttings need your help !

Thank-you very much Keithmart. I will try and keep trying until I get it right...