Why Do Cuttings Fail? Propagation Tips

Summary

In this video, Jason from Fraser Valley Rose Farm shares his expertise in propagating plants from cuttings, highlighting common challenges and how to overcome them. He explains that success in plant propagation depends on choosing the right plant and stage of growth, using proper cutting techniques, and maintaining the correct growing environment. He offers practical tips, such as starting with semi-hardwood cuttings, using clean tools, and applying rooting hormone. Jason emphasizes the importance of adjusting conditions based on feedback from your cuttings to prevent drying out or rotting.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Success in plant propagation from cuttings is crucial for Jason's Fraser Valley Rose farm business.
• 📉 Early struggles with plant propagation led to a focus on understanding why plants fail to root from cuttings.
• 🔍 Three main reasons for propagation failure: wrong plant or stage of growth, poor technique, and unsuitable growing environment.
• 🌿 Choosing the right plant variety and growth stage is key, as some plants root better from different types of cuttings.
• 📚 Consult culture guides and online communities for shared knowledge on successful propagation methods.
• 🗡️ Use clean, sharp pruners to take cuttings to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria or fungus.
• ✂️ Take cuttings just below the node for optimal success in root development.
• 🌡️ Rooting hormone can significantly increase the success rate, especially for softwood or actively growing plants.
• 💧 Balancing light, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture is crucial for the growing environment of cuttings.
• 🌡️ Adjust the growing conditions based on feedback from the cuttings, such as drying out or rotting, to optimize success.

Q & A

What is the primary method Jason uses to propagate plants at Fraser Valley Rose farm?

Jason primarily uses the method of taking cuttings to propagate plants, which has become a successful business model for him.

What are the three basic categories Jason identifies for failures in plant propagation?

The three categories Jason identifies for failures in plant propagation are: choosing the wrong plant or stage of growth, technique issues with making the cutting, and the growing environment.

What does Jason suggest as the first step in addressing plant propagation failures?

Jason suggests examining the source of the plant, the cutting technique, and the growing environment as the first step in addressing failures.

How does Jason interpret plant failures due to rotting?

Jason interprets rotting failures as possibly being due to too much moisture, high humidity, still air, and possibly insufficient temperature.

What is the opposite failure mode to rotting in plant cuttings according to Jason?

The opposite failure mode to rotting is drying out, where the plant loses moisture and dies back in certain sections.

What resources does Jason recommend for learning about plant propagation?

Jason recommends culture guides from major horticulture industry partners like Ball or Walters, and also suggests joining Facebook groups such as 'I love plant propagation' for sharing experiences and information.

What is Jason's general approach when unsure about the best cutting method for a plant?

When unsure, Jason generally starts with semi-hardwood cuttings, as he finds this method to be adaptable for a wide range of perennials and shrubs.

Why is it important to use a clean, sharp pair of pruners when taking a cutting, according to Jason?

Jason emphasizes using a clean, sharp pair of pruners to avoid introducing bacteria or fungus that can cause rot, and to ensure a clean cut that is less likely to crush the stem and reduce the chances of successful rooting.

What is the significance of taking a cutting just below the node, as mentioned by Jason?

Taking a cutting just below the node is significant because the node is where the leaf comes out and contains tissue that can differentiate and create the callus necessary for successful rooting.

What is Jason's stance on using rooting hormone and natural substitutes like honey or cinnamon?

Jason recommends using rooting hormone as it has been shown to increase success rates, and he has not found natural substitutes like honey or cinnamon to be as effective based on his experience and lack of objective evidence supporting their use.

How does Jason suggest adjusting the growing environment based on the stage of the cutting?

Jason suggests adjusting the growing environment by controlling light, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture according to the stage of the cutting, with softer cuttings requiring higher levels of these variables and hardwood cuttings needing lower levels.