splifchris
Well-Known Member
1. Temperature try to keep the propagator temperature above 64°F (18°C,) but dont let it exceed 75°F (24C°).
2. Humidity keep the vents on your propagator closed to keep the humidity above 90%. Once the cuttings have produced roots open the vents to lower humidity and encourage transpiration.
3. Water over saturated growing media has to be the number one cause of cutting failure. After pre-soaking your propagation plugs you should rarely have to re-water them before roots appear if conditions are right.
4. Nutrients use a cutting specific nutrient to help with fast rooting and optimum nutrition. Dont overdo it as a high EC can inhibit root initiation. Remember to adjust pH according to your chosen rooting media.
5. Light cuttings dont need intense light to root. Using florescent T5 lamps above propagator is highly recommended.
6. Cycle where possible try to match the cuttings light cycle to the same as donor plants. This will minimize shock and help to ensure quick establishment.
7. Patience most soft wood cuttings usually take around 10-14 days to root in a regular propagator.
8. Donor plant your cuttings will only be as healthy as the plant you took it from. Obviously, you should avoid takings cuttings from a diseased, stressed, flowering, or overfed plant.
9. Plant hole dont allow the cutting to flop around loosely in the plugs planting hole. Ensure the cutting is firmly inserted and stable. Make your own off-centre planting hole if the existing one is too big.
10. Heated propagators bottom heat can help encourage good root formation but keep an eye on your thermometer as heated propagators without a thermostat can raise temperatures too high. Using a timer or thermostat can help in this situation.
11. Size Dont take big cuttings with large stems, go for smaller cuttings around 2-4 and trim off unnecessary leaf material.
12. Rockwool Dont overly-squeeze rockwool plugs or blocks! A better way to expel excess water is to give them a vigorous flick or shake.
13. Rooting hormone Use a good quality rooting compound but remember to check its use by date as they dont tend to have a long shelf life. Dont use too much, just dip the tip or follow the manufacturers recommendations.
14. Destiny Avoid taking cuttings in rockwool if your plants are destined for soil. Wherever possible match the cuttings growing media with its final use as this will minimise transplant shock.
15. Beneficials Use beneficial bacteria and fungi in your pre soak solution at a high dose. Root zone colonisation at an early stage will ensure healthy, disease resistant roots that grow fast and support a vigorous plant.
16. Additives some root stimulators that contain seaweed extract should not be used until roots have emerged. Always check that what youre adding to your pre-soak solution is suitable for cuttings.
17. Propagator tray never let your cuttings stand in tray with water in the bottom. Using a bed or perlite can help create a reservoir of moisture without the risk or over-saturating your propagation cubes.
18. Hardening off once your cuttings have produced roots slowly adjust them to their new growing environment by slowly opening the vents building up to leaving the propagator lid ajar to finally removing it.
19. Air Pruning if you plan to transplant into larger rockwool blocks try putting the blocks on wire mesh or rack to allow air to pass underneath. Once the primary root tips grow through the block they will be exposed to drier air under the block, stop growing and die back. This stimulates an abundance of secondary roots to branch out throughout the block until they get air pruned and then stimulate more root growth. The overall effect of this growth and pruning cycle will create a plant with a well developed root system throughout the entire block. Air pruning can also be done using various types of potting media using Air-Pots or fabric Smart Pots.
20. Breaking in once you have created healthy cuttings in your propagation area, break them into your grow room gently. When using high wattage HID lights, keep them raised up high initially. If youre using multiple lights you may not need them all on. Try to keep the humidity high and temperatures moderate to give your new plants the best start possible!
Found this on urbangarden.com and thought was worth a read!! > Chris
2. Humidity keep the vents on your propagator closed to keep the humidity above 90%. Once the cuttings have produced roots open the vents to lower humidity and encourage transpiration.
3. Water over saturated growing media has to be the number one cause of cutting failure. After pre-soaking your propagation plugs you should rarely have to re-water them before roots appear if conditions are right.
4. Nutrients use a cutting specific nutrient to help with fast rooting and optimum nutrition. Dont overdo it as a high EC can inhibit root initiation. Remember to adjust pH according to your chosen rooting media.
5. Light cuttings dont need intense light to root. Using florescent T5 lamps above propagator is highly recommended.
6. Cycle where possible try to match the cuttings light cycle to the same as donor plants. This will minimize shock and help to ensure quick establishment.
7. Patience most soft wood cuttings usually take around 10-14 days to root in a regular propagator.
8. Donor plant your cuttings will only be as healthy as the plant you took it from. Obviously, you should avoid takings cuttings from a diseased, stressed, flowering, or overfed plant.
9. Plant hole dont allow the cutting to flop around loosely in the plugs planting hole. Ensure the cutting is firmly inserted and stable. Make your own off-centre planting hole if the existing one is too big.
10. Heated propagators bottom heat can help encourage good root formation but keep an eye on your thermometer as heated propagators without a thermostat can raise temperatures too high. Using a timer or thermostat can help in this situation.
11. Size Dont take big cuttings with large stems, go for smaller cuttings around 2-4 and trim off unnecessary leaf material.
12. Rockwool Dont overly-squeeze rockwool plugs or blocks! A better way to expel excess water is to give them a vigorous flick or shake.
13. Rooting hormone Use a good quality rooting compound but remember to check its use by date as they dont tend to have a long shelf life. Dont use too much, just dip the tip or follow the manufacturers recommendations.
14. Destiny Avoid taking cuttings in rockwool if your plants are destined for soil. Wherever possible match the cuttings growing media with its final use as this will minimise transplant shock.
15. Beneficials Use beneficial bacteria and fungi in your pre soak solution at a high dose. Root zone colonisation at an early stage will ensure healthy, disease resistant roots that grow fast and support a vigorous plant.
16. Additives some root stimulators that contain seaweed extract should not be used until roots have emerged. Always check that what youre adding to your pre-soak solution is suitable for cuttings.
17. Propagator tray never let your cuttings stand in tray with water in the bottom. Using a bed or perlite can help create a reservoir of moisture without the risk or over-saturating your propagation cubes.
18. Hardening off once your cuttings have produced roots slowly adjust them to their new growing environment by slowly opening the vents building up to leaving the propagator lid ajar to finally removing it.
19. Air Pruning if you plan to transplant into larger rockwool blocks try putting the blocks on wire mesh or rack to allow air to pass underneath. Once the primary root tips grow through the block they will be exposed to drier air under the block, stop growing and die back. This stimulates an abundance of secondary roots to branch out throughout the block until they get air pruned and then stimulate more root growth. The overall effect of this growth and pruning cycle will create a plant with a well developed root system throughout the entire block. Air pruning can also be done using various types of potting media using Air-Pots or fabric Smart Pots.
20. Breaking in once you have created healthy cuttings in your propagation area, break them into your grow room gently. When using high wattage HID lights, keep them raised up high initially. If youre using multiple lights you may not need them all on. Try to keep the humidity high and temperatures moderate to give your new plants the best start possible!
Found this on urbangarden.com and thought was worth a read!! > Chris
