Q: What is the first thing you should do when getting ready to take cuttings?

A: The first thing should always be to make sure that your medium is properly prepared. When soaking your medium we suggest using Olivia's Cloning Solution. When using Rockwool, overnight soaking insures maximum absorption. Afterwards pour off any excess solution. If using soil or soiless media, sift out any large stems or debris. Proper saturation is when you can squeeze it and water oozes, not pours, through your fingers.

Q: Which of my plants make the best cuttings?

A: The healthier the plant, the more likely you will get a strong and healthy cutting. When choosing where to take the cutting from, always choose the freshest, youngest shoots. Young shoots can absorb your rooting agent more quickly than older tougher growth.

Q: Which rooting agent should I use?

A: Our most popular rooting agent is Rootech Cloning Gel. Rootech works well for most any cutting and has been a proven success for many years.

Q: When using soil or soiless media, which container is best?

A: It really depends on the number of cuttings you are taking and the amount of space that is available. Ponies fit easily into a 10" X 20" tray and can do either 48 or 72 cuttings. Jiffy Cups also work well because of their ability to be planted directly into a larger container. In either case, before you begin the cutting process, your containers should be pre-filled with properly prepared media and the media should be packed in fairly tight. Using a pencil or small screwdriver, poke a hole half way down each container. Making the hole halfway down into the container insures that the cutting will get maximum support and plenty of room for root growth.

Q: What do you suggest for making the cut?

A: We usually suggest using a razor blade and a pair of clean, sharp, sterile scissors. We carry a few different kinds of scissors such as bonsai and micro tip. This makes it easier for our customers to find a pair that fits their hand comfortably. Comfort is especially important if you are going to be doing a large number of cuttings. The razor blade and scissors should be extremely sharp in order to get a finer cut with little risk of tearing.

Q: What is the description of taking a proper cutting?

A: Once you have found a nice healthy shoot in which to make a cutting, it is always best to start long, as this will allow you a few extra seconds while getting it ready for dipping and sticking. First remove all but the top four leaves. Then, while next to your rooting agent, locate the node (a little notch in the stem where leaves and braches form) an inch or so below the remaining leaves. Using your scissors make a cut at a 45 degree angle and quickly dip it into your rooting agent and plant the cutting into the medium.

Q: Now that I have taken my cuttings what should I do?

A: Put on the humidity dome, turn on the lights and walk away. Once set, the cuttings just need to be left alone to recover from the whole process. No water needs to be added nor do they need to be sprayed. All of the water in the medium is designed to keep the cutting from drying out while the cut heals. Once the media begins to dry out, the plant will go in search of a new water source. A plant does this by putting out roots, which is exactly what you want. After 5-7 days, most cuttings will look like they have shaken off their shock and look ready to grow. Shortly thereafter they will be ready to be transplanted into their new homes.

Q: What kind of lights do you suggest for your cuttings?

A: We recommend T5 Fluorescent bulbs, which burn brighter than regular fluorescent bulbs. Another benefit of using fluorescent bulbs on your cuttings is that the bulbs produce almost no heat and therefore can be placed directly above the humidity dome.