After your new cuttings begin to push new growth and have started producing roots they need to be potted up in a media that has nutrients to support their tender new growth. There are some steps that can be followed to ensure your young cuttings don’t collapse during the very tender time just after they’ve rooted. Though tempting, be sure not to pot them up too soon. They must have a sufficient root system before being transplanted or they will likely collapse after having their roots disturbed.
Sam, our Horticulturist, offers some insight on how to pot up cuttings after they’ve rooted to avoid having your cuttings collapse after all the hard work to root them.
Things to keep in mind when potting up young cutting or any tender plants:
-Try to pick a cloudy or overcast day for transplanting. Transpiration stress will be less significant on these days.
-Transplant early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
– Be as gentle as possible with the roots! The fine root hairs hydrate the new leaves and broken roots means the leaves will not be able to hydrate themselves
-Water cuttings in thoroughly to get rid of any air pockets around the roots
-If leaves do begin to wilt or if you’re dealing with a species that’s prone to collapsing after potting up cut the leaves in half to reduce transpiration, put the cuttings in a cool shady place and mist frequently
-Wait to pot up into a larger container until you see roots coming out the bottom of the pot