Regular followers of the London Vegetable Garden – or indeed, those that have read the previous post – will no doubt be aware that I have turned my hand to water propagation over these winter months. Inspired by the success of my spider plant propagation activities (see the 'before and after' picture immediately below), I took some cuttings from various hedges and set them up in glasses dotted about the flat.
Now, although the cuttings I took a fortnight ago are showing no signs of root growth, they have however, suddenly burst forth with new leaves growing at the top:
I think that these twigs may need extra help in terms of growing roots. The spider plants were always very soft and the plants seemed to form ready-made root balls prior to propagation. Cutting a twig however is a different kettle of fish altogether – I doubt that these cuttings will root! Nevertheless, it's been interesting to see just how hardy these plants are, needing only water to survive.
Now, although the cuttings I took a fortnight ago are showing no signs of root growth, they have however, suddenly burst forth with new leaves growing at the top:
I think that these twigs may need extra help in terms of growing roots. The spider plants were always very soft and the plants seemed to form ready-made root balls prior to propagation. Cutting a twig however is a different kettle of fish altogether – I doubt that these cuttings will root! Nevertheless, it's been interesting to see just how hardy these plants are, needing only water to survive.
Wow dude thats awesome about the leaves - I hope they get some roots. I went to see a bonsai man last weekend and he was the king of cuttings although he stuck his straight in a pot of 30% soil, 30% Perlite and 30% grit I think or maybe acadama - anyway I think the idea is to allow for good drainage otherwise the root / cutting rots. I'm going to be trying this a lot this year.
ReplyDeleteIf this was a hardy outdoor plant that you took cuttings of and brought inside, it probably thinks that it is spring because of the warm environment that it finds itself in. The cutting will be using stored energy and resources to produce the new leaves.
ReplyDeleteIt is doubtful that they will produce any roots. Water cuttings are often more successful for tropical types of plants, plants from colder climates do better in a well drained cuttings mix as described by "Grumblemouse" or similar and left OUTSIDE in the cold or possibly somewhere with a little bottom heat (this keeps the compost slightly warmer than the air and so encourages root production)
For evergreen cuttings remove nearly all the leaves, to keep transpiration to a minimum.
Deciduous cuttings can just be stuck into the pot of mix.
Keep the compost mix slightly drier than moist, to lessen the stems going mouldy.
Also cuttings work better at different times of the year, this depends on the type of plant. Google softwood, semi-ripe or ripe cuttings (there is just too much information to share here in one comment!!!
Just found your blog and will be following progress. Good luck with the allotment.
Could be the stress causing flowering. Last ditch attempt at survival. Grumblemouse may have the right idea. Sometimes soil can work better. Fantastic what you manage to do with such little space!
ReplyDelete