Would you also like to try propagating cuttings? The young shoots are quickly cut, but what happens next? Let it root in water first or plant it directly in the ground? You can find useful information and helpful tips on this page.
How to plant cuttings correctly?
Planting cuttings means either placing young shoots in a glass of water for rooting or planting them directly in potting soil. Roots can be observed in the water glass, while no transplanting is necessary in the substrate, although rooting takes longer.
Plant directly in the ground or let it root?
To propagate cuttings, you have two options to choose from_
- the rooting in the water glass
- the rooting in the nursery pot
A clear recommendation as to which of the two methods is more suitable cannot be made. Based on the following list of the respective advantages and disadvantages, you can weigh up which option you prefer.
Rooting in a glass of water
- Root growth can be observed
- Root formation after a few days
- Cuttings need to be transplanted
Rooting in the substrate
- Cuttings get used to the soil immediately
- less risk of injuring the roots as no transplanting is necessary
- takes longer
Note: No matter which of the two variants you choose, it is important that you never store the cuttings for a long time. The more they dry out, the lower the likelihood of successful root formation.
Planting instructions
If you have decided on the method of growing pots, proceed as follows:
- Incorporate drainage made of granules or gravel into a cultivation pot
- Pour potting soil over it
- If necessary, dip the cuttings with the interface in rooting powder (€7.00 on Amazon)
- poke a hole in the substrate with a narrow wooden stick
- Insert the cutting a few centimeters deep
- pour well
Tip
We recommend willow water to accelerate root growth.
Select the appropriate substrate
If the cuttings have not initially formed their own roots, they cannot absorb nutrients from the soil. Therefore, save on adding fertilizer. Too many minerals only change the pH value of the soil and could even harm the tender roots.
Provide humidity
Young cuttings not only cannot draw nutrients from the soil, but they also cannot absorb water. At the beginning they have to cover their fluid needs with the moisture from the air. By placing a transparent film over the growing pot, you can improve the site conditions. The cuttings absorb the condensed droplets through the leaves. To prevent mold from forming, you should ventilate the film for a few hours every day.
