Should I Root Hardwood Cuttings Inside or Outside | Plant Propagation Tips for Rooting Hardwood, by Mike Kincaid on YouTube. 12 min 5 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 5 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Collect cuttings in late autumn or winter while the plant is dormant. Choose healthy, pencil-thick stems from this year's growth.
Cut each stem into 6 to 8 inch lengths. Make a straight cut at the bottom just below a bud and a slanted cut at the top above a bud.
Wound the bottom inch of each cutting with a clean knife if the wood is thick. This exposes more tissue for roots to form.
Dip the bottom cut in rooting hormone powder or gel. Tap off the excess so the powder does not clump.
Fill pots or a deep tray with a well-draining mix, such as half potting soil and half perlite or coarse sand.
Push each cutting into the mix so two-thirds of its length is buried. Space cuttings 2 to 3 inches apart and water well.
Set the pots outside in a sheltered spot on a gentle bottom heat mat. Keep the mat and power supply dry, and aim for about 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C) at the base.
Keep the mix moist but not soggy, and protect the cuttings from hard freezes. Check for roots after 6 to 10 weeks by gently tugging a cutting.
Tips and common mistakes
Root hardwood cuttings outside rather than in a warm room, because cool tops and warm soil usually give better results.
Label each pot with the plant name and date so you do not mix up varieties.
Do not let the mix dry out completely, but avoid standing water that can rot the stems.
Clean and sharpen your pruners before you start to avoid spreading disease between cuttings.
Questions
Should I root hardwood cuttings inside or outside?
Outside is usually better. Keep the roots warm with gentle bottom heat while the tops stay cool.
How long do hardwood cuttings take to root?
Most take 6 to 10 weeks, though slow woody plants can take several months. Check by gently tugging a cutting.
Do I need rooting hormone?
It is not always required, but it can improve success, especially on difficult woody plants. Use a powder or gel made for hardwood cuttings.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
