Rooting Cuttings Instructions

Guide for Rooting Cuttings

*ATTENTION - The bottom end of each cutting will be at the bottom of the clear bag they are shipped in. (The bottom must be the side planted in soil) *If planted upside down the cuttings will fail.

Materials Needed-

• ●  Plant cuttings

• ●  Sterile pruning shears

• ●  Rooting hormone (auxin-based, e.g., IBA or Clonex Gel)

• ●  Sterile growing medium (50% perlite, 50% peat moss or coco coir)

• ●  Plastic pots (4-6 inches)

• ●  Clear plastic bags or humidity dome

• ●  Spray bottle with distilled water

• ●  Alcohol wipes

  Procedure:

1. Preparation:

   • ○  Using sterile pruning shears, make a straight cut 1-2cm below a node.

   • ○  Sterilize pruning shears with alcohol wipes before and after each cut.

2. Growing Medium:

   • ○  Mix 50% perlite and 50% peat moss or coco coir in a container.

   • ○  Moisten the mix thoroughly with distilled water, avoiding waterlogging.

3. Preparing Cuttings:

○ Dip the cut end in the rooting hormone.

4. Planting:

   • ○  Fill pots with the prepared soil.

   • ○  Make a hole in the medium with a pencil/stick.

   • ○  Insert the cutting into the hole, burying at least one node, and firm the soil around it.

5. Humidity Control:

   • ○  Cover each pot with a clear plastic bag or place under a humidity dome.

   • ○  Make sure the soil is damp, but not soaking wet.

6. Watering and Care:

   • ○  Place pots in bright, indirect light. (Shady Area)

   • ○  Maintain high humidity by misting with distilled water daily.

   • ○  Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged.

7. Root Development:

○ Check for roots after 4-6 weeks by gently tugging on cuttings; resistance indicates root formation. (DO NOT CHECK FOR ROOTS AND DISTURB UNDER 2-3 WEEKS)

8. Acclimation:

• ○  After 2-3 Weeks, Gradually acclimate cuttings to normal humidity by slightly opening the plastic bags/dome over several days.

• ○  Transplant rooted cuttings to larger pots with standard potting soil after acclimation and new growth.

  Common Mistakes:

1. -Planting the cuttings upside down

2. -Planting without making a cut below the node

3. -Placing Cuttings in direct sunlight

4. -Overwatering the soil

5. -Watering the plant with tap water containing chlorine, with a water pH above 6.5 (a calibrated pH

   meter may be needed), or over-fertilizing with synthetic fertilizers.