CUTTINGS AND SEEDLINGS
Cuttings
Multiplication of your "favourite plants" can either
take place by means of seed growing or by taking cuttings. The
advantage of cuttings is that the genus of the plant is known.
Preparation:
Toprock rockwool propagating blocks (2x2 and 4x4cm) make an excellent
medium for cuttings. Submerge the blocks in luke-warm water (20-25 deg C)
with a pH value of 5.8 and an EC value of 0.8-1.0ms. Use for
example a nail to make small holes in the rockwool. Do not make
the holes too big because the cutting has to be firmly placed
into the rockwool block. Put the blocks in a propagator.
Taking Cuttings:
Use a sharp scalpel blade to cut strong 8-10cm long shoots from
the mother plant. Do not use scissors because this will bruise
the stem. Remove the lower leaves and immediately place the cuttings
in a bucket of luke-warm water. Roll the lower 1-2cm of the cutting
stem through a root hormone powder. Remove excess powder and
immediately place the cutting into the propagating block. Make
sure that the underside of the cutting is not submerged in the
powder. This may cause the channels to clog up as a result of
which the cutting will be less capable of absorbing water.
Care:
The young cutting has not developed any roots yet and is incapable
of transporting sufficient water and nutrition to the leaves.
In order to avoid dehydration, the cuttings must be placed in
a moist environment (RH80%). To do this, place the cuttings in
a strong propagating box with a safe heating element as soon as
possible.
You should spray the cuttings daily with luke-warm water (25 deg C),
pH value 5.8 and EC 0.8-1.0ms. Make sure that the blocks also
remain sufficiently moist by emerging them in nutrient solution.
Not only the humidity, but also the temperature is essential when
taking cuttings.
A high air temperature forces the cuttings to grow upwards. All
the available nourishment will be used for this purpose while
the cutting should be utilising its energy for the development
of roots. Bottom heating is therefore essential. The best way
for the cuttings to take root is at a bottom temperature of 21-24 deg C.
The speed of the root development is very important. The longer
the cuttings take to take root, the greater the chance they will
not survive.
As the first roots become visible you can gradually increase the
EC to 1.5ms.
Pruning is always a traumatic experience for mother plants. Young
shoots in which the plant has invested a lot of energy are removed
and the mother plants chemical system is thoroughly shaken.
Experienced growers know that the yield of the cuttings diminishes
over time. It is therefore advisable to grow new mother plants
from seed every year.
Starting the Seeds
During germination the seed awakens from its dormancy. Water is
vitally important here, for as soon as the seed has absorbed an
adequate amount of water, the seedling begins to create its root
system. Next it breaks through its outer shell.
Preparation:
Place some damp paper towels on a plate. Place the seeds on top
of them and then put a layer of damp paper towels on the seeds.
Cover the plate with another upturned plate so that the seeds
are in darkness and the environment remains moist. Place the
covered seeds in a warm (21 deg C) spot. Check the seeds every
day, wetting the paper towel when necessary. Transplant the seeds
when they open and the root tip can be seen. Gently place the
seed in a Toprock rockwool propagating block (2x2 or 4x4cm), to
a depth of approximately 5mm. Carefully cover the opening with
rockwool and moisten the block once more.
Care:
Frequently sprinkle the Toprock rockwool blocks with water. Ensure
that the blocks do not become too wet. The seedling uses the
spare food present in the seed for growth development. Oxygen
is essential for its metabolism. One of the advantages of Toprock
rockwool is that it retains a high percentage of air. Ensure
that the blocks are not standing in water and that the excess
water is able to drain away freely. Toprock rockwool propagating
blocks have an optimal climate for the seeds. Keep the seeds
warm and damp (21 deg C) in a sturdy propagating box. Remove
the cover immediately the seedlings grow above the rockwool blocks.
Young plants:
The young plants at this stage are still very fragile. Do not
therefore place them in direct sunlight or below a 400 watt lamp.
Ideally place them under fluorescent bulbs, colour Philips 33.
Position the light system 5-10cm above the plant tops.
Not only the humidity, but also the temperature is essential when
germinating.
A high air temperature forces the seedlings to grow upwards.
All the available nourishment will be used for this purpose while
the seedling should be utilising its energy for the development
of roots. Bottom heating is therefore essential. The best way
for the seedlings to take root is at a bottom temperature of 21-24 deg C.
The speed of the root development is very important. The longer
the seedlings take to root, the greater the chance they will not
survive.
As the first roots have become visible you can gradually increase
the EC to 1.2ms.
