Re: Problematiic woody plant propagation

Hi Chris:

I find that using regular builder's sand mixed in with soil is better than peat, etc.
I always have great results and it seems like the sand helps. But you have to keep them watered - depending on the ratio of sand to soil you use. Also I put oak leaves and maple leaves at the bottom or even shredded newspaper and when the roots hit this they take off big time. Sometimes the less you baby them the better they grow.
If you are misting, the peat will keep them probably too damp and cause them to rot. My Dad always used sand/soil to start hard to germinate seeds, too.
Good luck
Kate
----- Original Message ----- From: "Christopher P. Lindsey" <lindsey@mallorn.com>
To: <propagation@hort.net>
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:47 AM
Subject: Problematiic woody plant propagation


Hi everyone,

I've been trying to propagate two species from cuttings that
I've read should be very easy, but I'm having a bear of a time
getting them to work.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood) is supposed to be
easy to propagate from both hardwood and softwood cuttings. I
tried 32 hardwood cuttings last winter and all died, and then
the 54 softwood cuttings taken two months ago still haven't rooted
and are starting to rot. Softwoods are in peat:perlite under
mist and had 3000ppm IBA talc dip.

The other species is Salix pentandra (bay willow). I mean,
come on, it's a willow! :) But 32 cuttings taken in mid-July
and placed in peat:perlite under mist are also yielding very
low rates, whether with a 3000ppm IBA quick dip or without.
The cuttings all lost their leaves within one week, and then
the survivors put out new growth.

I've had great success with lots of other plants, but I can't
figure out what I'm doing wrong. Does anyone have any tips?

I did collect Salix seeds and will try those, but Metasequoia
has a notoriously low germination rate. I'd also like to clone
the parent -- it has a really nice form.

Thanks,

Chris

P.S. This list has been quiet. We need to discuss more!

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