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Clonal Propagation of ROSE OF SHARON

Reply to:

I have been trying to take semi-hardwood cuttings of rose of Sharon(Hibiscus
Syracus).   I have been attempting to follow the procedure in the reference
manual of wood plant propagation (M. A. Dirr, C. W. Heuser)
..  Take current years growth and remove leaves from about 2 inches of the
stem ...
The problem I am having is the leaves are turning yellow and looking
generally quite poor.  I looked over the "quick dip method again and noticed
a drying step after the 15 second dip in the rooting solution, I did not do
this with this batch.  I am wondering if the alcohol from the Dip N Grow is
the cause of the problem. ...
Has anyone ever rooted this way or does anyone have an alternate method of
vegetative  propagation for this plant.
> > Dave M
> > Zone 6A (SE PA)

Quick dips of rooting hormones using alcohol solvent carrier can be toxic to
plant tissue. The alcohol will dehydrate the tender cuttings especially when
you are propagating from softer woods. Also, the solvent base products may
not have a steady delayed action when applied to a cutting which is slower
to develop root cells.

Also, is the plants are yellowing there may be a problem with over watering
and a requirement for more light.

In the case of ROSE OF SHARON (hibiscus syriacus)
For cuttings taken in the early summer use a dry dip rooting hormone such as
0.8% IBA (Rhizopon AA #3 0.8)
or late spring  use solution total immerse method at 5-10 tablets per liter
water (Rhizopon AA Water Soluble Tablets dissolved in water only)
For winter cuttings use  a dry dip rooting hormone such as 0.8% IBA
(Rhizopon AA #3 0.8)
If the cuttings are slow to root spray them with a solution containing
Rhizopon AA Water Soluble Tablets dissolved in water only at 3-5 tablets per
liter water.

Tips:

Control the rooting hormones:

Dry powder method:

Take plant cuttings, usually stem, root or leaf cuttings.
Woody cuttings are usually wounded by making a 3/4" notch at the basal end.
Herbaceous cuttings are not wounded.
From the stock container of Rhizopon AA dry powder take off enough powder
for one time use.
Do not contaminate the stock container of powder by returning the used
portion to the container.
Dispose of the used portion.
Dip the basal end of the cuttings 3/4 to 1 inch into the powder, one by one
or in small bundles. Make sure that the powder is evenly distributed in a
thin even layer (1/32 to 1/16 inch) over the whole base of the cutting. Too
much powder on the cuttings might result in excessive rooting where there is
surplus powder. Root formation can be expected all over the part of the
cutting covered with the powder. Avoid contact between the powder and
foliage and other over ground parts of the stem since it may cause phyto
toxicity. Tap off the excess powder. Plant the cuttings immediately in moist
media. After treating cuttings take care of them.

For additional info and drawing see:
http://www.rooting-hormones.com/drydip.htm

Total immerse method:

Take plant cuttings, usually stem, root or leaf cuttings. Woody cuttings are
usually wounded by making a 3/4" notch at the basal end. Herbaceous cuttings
are not wounded. Make up a fresh Rhizopon Water Soluble Tablet solution
using the appropriate concentration. Uing the Total Immerse Method first
treat then plant. Take care of the cuttings.
The active ingredients are absorbed into the leaves and stems the
transported to the basal end where it induces root formation. The active
ingredients are transported through the phloem to the basal end. It induces
cell diffusion and root induction in the presence of oxygen and water. These
methods retard bud formation; the cuttings to put their energy into root
formation.

For additional info and drawing see:
http://www.rooting-hormones.com/wst.htm

Taking of cuttings:

Basics of taking plant cuttings

Plant shoot cuttings are usually taken from plant growth of the current
growing season. Cuttings may be taken from various stages of plant growth.
The range of cuttings is from succulent to hardwood. It is not possible to s
tate one type of cutting which is useful for all plants.

Adjust the timing to take cuttings based upon the locale.

Cutting for most plants propagated in the greenhouse can usually be taken at
any time. Cuttings from deciduous plants are usually taken in early summer.
Cutting should not usually be taken from the end of a branch nor the top
part, rather, in between. Testing and experience will allow you to select at
what stage of maturity each type of plant will root best.

Select the 'best' time to take cuttings from the stock plant

Some cutting from the same stock plant may root while others may not. There
may be a 'best time' to take cuttings from the plant. Rooting of cuttings is
affected by many variables. Some plants have different rooting ability at
different times of the year. A few weeks difference in taking of cuttings
may produce success or failure. Woody plants are especially influenced by
timing. After a certain age, often years, some plants may even have
difficulty producing cutting viable to produce roots.

Juvenile cuttings

Some plants produce better rooting when cuttings are taken from juvenile
parts of the plant. When taking shoot cuttings from the same stock plant at
the same time some cuttings may have different rooting ability. While a
cutting may be young in growth age they may be old relative to the stem from
which the cutting is taken. Physically young cuttings taken from the top of
a two year old tree branch may exhibit root initiation performance as if
they were two year old cuttings.

Cuttings taken from near the base of the plant may exhibit rooting
characteristics similar to the real age of the cuttings; months old rather
than years old. One reason may be the position of the shoots on the plant.
Current years shoots may root different from second year shoots. Shoots from
the lower part of the plant may have less sunlight than the upper shoots.
The upper shoots may be a few weeks older than the lower shoots. Younger
shoots need less stimulation, to root than older shoots; use a lower
Rhizopon AA concentration. The younger shoots require a more stable
propagation environment.

Sometimes it is beneficial to induce juvenility by maintaining relatively
young mother plants or to hedge the young mother plants. Pruning of the
mother plants should be limited since the mother plant must constantly
produce energy to produce new shoots. Change the mother plants frequently to
induce better quality cuttings.

Care of cuttings before Rhizopon AA treatment

Plant cuttings to be rooted should be propagated soon after being taken from
the stock plant. Cuttings of some plants may be kept fresh by keeping the
basal end wrapped in moist fabric until ready to treat and plant. Do not
keep unused cutting for an extended period. Stored in plastic, some
cuttings, such as prunus root stocks, can be kept fresh by storing in a cool
place. Keep the cuttings for a day or so in cold storage (about 40F) with a
high relative humidity (95%) to give the cuttings a good turgor. Tropical
plants are often stored at room temperature.

Wounding: notching the cuttings before treatment

Some plant cuttings, such as hardwood cuttings, root more easily if a small
notch or wound is made at the basal end before treating with Rhizopon. The
cuts often 1/2-3/4 inch long made with a 'v' cut.

For additional info and drawing see:
http://www.rooting-hormones.com/takecut.htm

Place the cutting pots in a place where heat does not heat the cuttings.

The cuttings should have bright light to allow photosynthesis. To determine
if a cutting is rooted you can tug lightly on it; if it resists being pulled
out of the pot it is likely rooted.

Cuttings which are treated by the Total Immerse Method will develop roots
fast and have a delayed bud sprout. The cutting is initially putting its
energy to making roots before making leaf.

Take care of the cuttings.

Acclimation of the newly-rooted plants should be done gradually. After the
cuttings are rooted  remove Discontinue the mist or remove the cover. Harden
them off for a few days by putting the pots in the shade in a cool place.
Once the plants have adjusted to normal humidity they can be place in
regular pots to continue their growth. After the plants have a good root
system move them into brighter light.

For additional hints see:
http://www.rooting-hormones.com/discussi.htm

regards
Joel Kroin
Hortus USA
jkroin@hortus.com




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