Propagation

Propagation is a fascinating hobby in itself and enables you to produce new plants either from seeds or by cuttings at a fraction of the cost of buying new specimens.

Germination is the process where the seed emerges from a period of dormancy. In hydroponics this is usually achieved by using starter cubes or a hydroponic propagation system in conjunction with a blue spectrum flourescent light.

When taking cuttings select young growing shoots from your healthiest and most vigorous plants. Using scissors or secateurs cut off the required number of shoot tips, each with four or five pairs of leaves. Remove the lower pairs of leaves using a clean sharp knife or razor blade.

Make a clean diagonal cut across the base of the cutting just below the lowest leaf node and immediately dip the cutting into rooting gel approx 15mm. Insert the cutting into the propagation medium to a depth of about 15mm or just deep enough to support the cutting.

Place cuttings in a propagator with vents closed. Gentle bottom heat may help some species. Condensation on the underside of the glass indicates adequate humidity. Wipe glass occasionally to prevent water logging in medium.

After new roots appear your plant will need to be hardened off. Open vents on propagator to allow a small amount of air in. Increase amount of opening every day and finally remove cover altogether.

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