Re: Cloning Machines

Thanks, Marge.  I'm going to keep plugging away at less expensive methods.
On this list last year, several people mentioned using sweater boxes and I
found an all clear one and tried it.  Worked extremely well, mych better
than the hassle oc saran wrap wound around chopsticks.  I also switched to a
lighter medium, 1:1 perlite vermiculite for that container.  However, I
didn't try any woodies in it.  so that's what I plan to try this year.  I
always did woodies in 1:1 canadian peat / perlite with some success, but
just not enough.  Perhaps I need a fresh jar of rooting hormone, too.

Kitty
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marge Talt" <mtalt@hort.net>
To: <gardenchat@hort.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 1:06 AM
Subject: Re: [CHAT] Cloning Machines


> Hmmm, well, Kitty, I had not heard of this one, but as I understand
> it, most commercial propagation from cuttings is done with mist
> systems.  What, if anything, they put in the water, I do not know.
> Reason for the mist is to keep the leaves and cells turgid while
> having good air circulation.  We can often get the same results with
> some plants by enclosing them in plastic.  Doesn't work well for
> plants subject to rot in high humidity tho'.
>
> Some plants are just easier to root than others.  I wonder what type
> of plants the Charley system is designed for - have not gone to look
> - does it state ALL plants or say nothing about the different types
> that can be propagated by rooting.  Are they aiming this product at
> those who may concentrate on annuals and perennials, I wonder?
>
> I'd say that the 'cloning machine' is a clever PR way to describe
> some sort of small scale mist system, myself;)
>
> "aeroponic  (oxygen-rich) mist application " also seems a lot of PR
> talk.  I mean, any mist system is going to have oxygen mixed with the
> water drops unless  it's done in some sort of sealed chamber where
> some other gas is pumped in.
>
> I cannot see where a root growth stimulant applied to leaves would do
> squat.  Just what 'root growth' stimulant are they supplying, I
> wonder?
>
> IMO, you'd be better off getting some really good books on
> propagation by cuttings plus several grades of IBM root hormone, some
> clear plastic bins with clear lids and a heat mat and
> experimenting:-)
>
> Woody plants often take some time to develop good root systems from
> cuttings - of course, it depends on the plant; some make tons of
> roots fast, like Hydrangeas, and some are very reluctant to root at
> all; some root best from soft wood; some from hardwood; some from
> half hard wood.
>
> I've been trying to root cuttings from a shrub my Mom has that I have
> not been able to ID for sure, but want one of,  for a couple of years
> with no success - taken in March or October, which is when I'm down
> there.  Obviously, wrong time of year or I need a different root
> hormone.
>
> As for rooting in water.  Only a few woodies will do that - Aucuba
> and Hydrangea come to mind..  I always root my Brugmansia in water
> and there are several 'annuals' that root well in water.  But,
> generally, I favor using some sort of media - I often use plain
> coarse sand - since plants do make different types of roots and those
> created to live in water often have a hard time getting used to a
> soil mix.  I agree, if you root in water the goal is to pot up as
> soon as you see roots forming - I seldom get there.
>
> Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
> mtalt@hort.net
> Editor:  Gardening in Shade
> Shadyside Garden Designs
> -----------------------------------------------
> Current Article: Until April 11
> http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/shade_gardening
> ------------------------------------------------
> Complete Index of Articles by Category and Date
> http://mtalt.hort.net/article-index.html
>
>
>
> ----------
> > From: Chapel Ridge Wal Mart National Hearing Center
> <4042N15@nationalhearing.com>
> > Chris - I have noticed that most messages are coming through very
> fast
> > lately.  However, I sent this an hour and a half ago, but it hasn't
> come
> > through on 2 lists including chat, but did make it through on 2
> other lists.
> > So I'll try Chat again without cross-posting.  Sorry if anyone
> receives
> > duplicates:
> >
> > I was just looking through Charley's Greenhouse catalog and they
> now offer
> > Cloning Machines. I guess I'd heard of cloning but never thought of
> it as
> > being a system available to the home user.  But they do have a
> small one
> > that handles 8 cuttings.  Says: "the process involves continuous
> spraying of
> > a cloning solution (root growth stimulant) onto your stem, root or
> leaf
> > cutting...process is highly effective.  Roots appear in 3 to 10
> days and
> > cuttings ready for transplant in 7-21 days with a healthy,
> well-developed
> > root system....Practical, easy to use design with true aeroponic
> > (oxygen-rich) mist application to ensure fast rooting and optimum
> results."
> > Has anyone seen these units?  anyone used anything like this?  (if
> you have
> > a Charley's catalog, it is on page 81)  I can't access their
> website from
> > here but the salesperson says the website has more detailed info.
> >
> > I realize simple cuttings done the old fashioned way are a lot
> cheaper, but
> > I'm not always successful at it - more failures than successes.
> Those that
> > do take don't have a really good root system and it's easy to lose
> them over
> > the first winter.  I plan to try a different rooting medium this
> season in a
> > closed container which has been ultra successful for tender
> perennials; I'd
> > like to see if it will work for woodies.  If it doesn't do well,
> I'm
> > thinking about a cloning unit.
> >
> > Any input would be appreciated.
> > (cross-posting in the hopes of getting any response)
> >
> > Kitty
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
> message text UNSUBSCRIBE GARDENCHAT

---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE GARDENCHAT
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index