Propagating Tip Cuttings
Overview:
Tip cuttings are probably the most common type of cutting a grower will use to propagate plants to increase his / her plant stock!
Method
- Use only the top 50-75mm (2"-3") long tips of vigorous stems and do no trim off the growing point.
- Make the cut just below a node on a non-flowering stem.
- Remove the lower leaves dip the end of the cutting in rooting powder/gel (optional) then insert it vertically in pots/trays filled with moist seed / cutting compost.
- If the top pair of leaves are quite large it is sometimes an advantage to cut the leaf tip off.
- Place the pot / tray in a warm place, preferably with bottom heat.
- Give the cuttings plenty of light, but ensure that they are not scorched by direct sunlight
- Do not let the compost dry out, regular spraying (misting) with either fresh water or a fungicide mixture will prevent dehydration.
- Pot on into 75 mm (3") pots of potting compost when rooted.
This reduces transpiration thus preventing the cutting from drying out before rooting takes place.
A soil temperature of around 16°C (60°F) and a minimum air temperature of 4°C (40°F) is ideal.
A sign that they have rooted is, the growing tip will be a fresh green colour.