How to propagate trees from cuttings
Posted by poultryduk
6 (My Page)
on Materials:
Root Hormone (I used powdered)
Step 1: Attain healthy cuttings from a healthy tree. Remember to
always ask permission if you are taking cuttings from someone else's
tree. Try to aim for 4-8" cuttings for small trees (such as dwarf fruit
trees), and 10-15" cuttings for large trees (such as oaks). Smaller
trees will root faster. Try to cut cuttings off of the tree at 45 degree
angles.
Step 2: Fill the pot up with soil, and moisten the soil with a
sprayer. Create 8" deep holes in the soil for the cuttings. I would
recommend no more than four cuttings in a pot with a top diameter of
14".
Step 3: Remove the bark off of the bottom 1/3 of the cutting. Put
the bark-less part of the cutting into a glass of water for five
minutes. Then, dip the bark-less part of the cutting into the rooting
hormone, and GENTLY place it into the already-prepared hole. Try to
space the cuttings evenly, and not too close.
Step 4: Gently firm the soil around the cuttings, and mist them.
Then, place the pot in the white, plastic bag, and tie the top. I found
it works well to gently mist the inside of the plastic bag, as well.
Place the pot in place OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT. You may think you need
sunlight to root the cuttings, but the sun will dry up the soil. The
cuttings do not need to be in a completely dark place, but a medium
between bright and dark would be nice.
Step 5: Mist the cuttings EVERY OTHER DAY unless the soil is
visibly dry (you can tell this because the soil will crack when dry).
Also, try not to water too much, because the cuttings will rot. Although
it is tempting, do not remove the cuttings to check on them. Actually,
don't look at them at all for the first two weeks (except when
watering). Don't worry, they will let you know when their ready. After
about a month, smaller trees will begin to grow small leaves and shoots.
It would be best to wait until the trees are big enough to
survive the elements before you transplant them. So, in essence, don't
put them outside at first sign of growth. Wait about three months after
the first sign of growth to do this.
Good Luck!Hey, if you have a tree
which you want to clone, but don't want to use complicated methods,
look no further. I have recently experimented this method on Asian pear
trees, and it works great.
Healthy cuttings from a tree of your choice
Local soil (I haven't tried vermiculite yet)
Large pot
White plastic trash bag
