A little tip on taking cuttings

Prudence · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 11:57 am Post subject: A little tip on taking cuttings

Just thought I'd pass on this tip I was given.

You need 2 pots, one slightly smaller than the other. Place the smaller one inside the larger one and put the soil into the gap between the two pots. Place cuttings in that soil. Don't put anything in the smaller pot. After a while you can lift the smaller pot out to see if there are any roots on the cuttings. If not, place it back and wait a while longer.

I find this saves on potting soil and avoids gently 'tugging' on the cutting Smile

Sue

Sive · Rowan Tree Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 127

Hi Sue, that sounds like an intriguing idea, and I'm going to try it as I am useless with cuttings (except the very easy ones)...I just don't seem to have the knack...or the green fingers!
Should I put a plastic bag over the pot?

Prudence · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2008 3:09 pm Post subject:

Hi Sive. Some people do put the plastic bag over the top to keep in the humidity and moisture which is lost through the leaves. Do you cut the leaves on your cuttings? I usually take all the bottom leaves off and cut the leaves on the top in half to reduce the moisture loss.

Personally, I don't use the plastic bag. This time of year there is plenty of moisture in the air if leaving them in a shady spot outside. I have rooted loads of stuff in the last couple of weeks this way.

I had some cuttings sent over from England in the summer and they are all rooted without a baggie. Just kept them out of the wind in a shady spot. Obviously some cuttings are easier than others, but spring and autumn is a good time to do them.

All the best.

Sue

sal · Hazel Tree Joined: 15 Sep 2008 Posts: 37

sounds a good idea,will try this as i have various cuttings in water around ready to pot up, and plenty of plantpots from my trips to the garden centre recently,

Sive · Rowan Tree Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 127

Hi Sue,
It is years since I took cuttings, firstly because my last garden was too small to take the extra plants and secondly because I have had terribly poor results in the past and so decided i was just "no good" at doing it!
I occasionally "layer" plants and that works well, but that can be a slow process.
I will definitely try your method.
I watch Carol Klein on the BBC and she makes taking cuttings look like child's play, so maybe it is now time for me to try again! And I'll take any advice I can get!
Thanks a lot.