Tea Tree Cuttings

[Luke]

Cuttings taken from work on an attempted Leptospermum wind-swept. March 6th.
The ends were prepared by cutting bark back in places, dipping into root hormone gel then striking powder. It was late and a bit 'spare of the moment' so they were put into a spare setup that had just been used for Adenium obesum seedlings. = straight perlite, with a layer of seed raising soil on top.
Its only very early days yet!!!!!!!!!!, but im hoping they survive to become a couple of nice wind swept minis one day. ( fingers crossed)
Thought id share this with ausbonsai, and get advice + feed back + criticism anyone may have on my process and the possible beginning of these trees.

100_2054.JPG

100_2055.JPG

thanks for taking a look!
luke

[kvan64]

I found the seed propagating trays with small cups/sections are not holding enough soil/moisture for cuttings. I use thrown away 2L softdrink bottle cut in halves leaving a small hinge (bottom for soil and top as cover). This works well for small cuttings. For bigger cutting, I cut the top off completely.

[Glenda]

I found the seed propagating trays with small cups/sections are not holding enough soil/moisture for cuttings. I use thrown away 2L softdrink bottle cut in halves leaving a small hinge (bottom for soil and top as cover). This works well for small cuttings. For bigger cutting, I cut the top off completely.

Some people are so creative I noticed Pup had a posting where he put cuttings in small pots, then covered them with soft drink bottles cut off. Both these ideas have merrit. This is why I enjoy this forum so much - every time I log on I learn something!

Glenda

[Jamie]

perlite should hold enough water in it to keep them moist, what concerns me is the amount of hormone used i dont think that both powder and gel is necessary but we will definatly see what sort of results you get luke, i am very interested

[kcpoole]

From what I have heard it is of no benefit to use both Gel and powder, either or works good and the choice is what is easier for you.

The main thing the covers are for is to ensure it all stays Humid and warm.

Ken

[Luke]

I found the seed propagating trays with small cups/sections are not holding enough soil/moisture for cuttings.

yes that would definatly be the case with most soil but im using 3-5mm pure perlite and there are many capillirys in all those unplanted cup sections . my only problem with moisture is keeping it in as the cheap plastic used in in the lid has not aged well and is on its 3rd, bad, taped up crack... it has served me well though!!,, it started 3 citrus cuttings, 3 years ago that are now 500mm tall and going strong! and more recently, the desert rose seeds i got as a gift, fresh from the old mans large Adenium .... im not unhappy with 7 out of 24! 'shrugs' . anywayzzzzzzz

I use thrown away 2L softdrink bottle cut in halves leaving a small hinge (bottom for soil and top as cover). This works well for small cuttings. For bigger cutting, I cut the top off completely.

the hinge idea on clear bottles is interesting!! i haven't tried it, though iv cut many in half! . hey if wire was added to the hinge mechanism to make it stronger..... we could build cool little cutting, hot houses with (barbecue style) lids I am going to try this!!!
cheers kvan64

This is why I enjoy this forum so much - every time I log on I learn something!
Glenda

i know exactly how you feel Glenda

what concerns me is the amount of hormone used i dont think that both powder and gel is necessary but we will definatly see what sort of results you get luke, i am very interested

hey jamie, looking back... yes i did use a fair bit of root hormone product .. and i have no clue if too much is detrimental .... im going to read that up now. Thanks for your interest mate will keep updated.


luke

[Jamie]

i know that if there is to many auxins which is what helps with it all is that it will actually kill it rather than help it, to much of a good thing mate isnt good mate

[Luke]

i know that if there is to many auxins which is what helps with it all is that it will actually kill it rather than help it, to much of a good thing mate isnt good mate

tell me about it... i always get extra jalapeños at subway... and i always pay for it later..
But seriously, can only keep moist and wait now..

[bonscythe]

Hi Luke,
If your worried about keeping enough moisture in the 100% perlite, throw some vermiculite in. Should hold onto that moisture a bit longer, maybe try 75% perlite:vermiculite 25%.