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Box cuttings vitopod prop.

pierre_de_gayepierre_de_gaye Posts: 182
in Problem solving
Have just put 40 or so box cuttings into my vitopod heated prop.  

I got things very wrong last year with all sorts of mixed cuttings in there damping off.

This year I've bleached everything thoroughly and topped pots with vermiculite.   I soaked everything last year with a spray every day and don't want that happening again.

I gather it could take 8 weeks or so to form roots.  I really don't want failure again so can anyone offer advice in terms of looking after them properly?    Last year the vents were closed for weeks on end - when should I be opening these, and for how often?

Temp is set at 21 and I don't have lights set up at the moment though if these will prevent damping off I could easily install them.  It's running costs though I'm trying to minimise if they're not needed right now.

Thanks all.
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Posts

  • pierre_de_gayepierre_de_gaye Posts: 182
    Anyone ?
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Sounds like you're molly-coddling too much them pierre.
    Take a look at this article from the RHS under Propagation 

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • eleanoreleanor Posts: 3
    Hi
    I was not so kind to my box cuttings, I do use very healthy stock plants and after I have cut and potted them in a grit/sand mix for compost, I water them in and leave them in a sheltered corner of the garden, a cold frame is ideal, and don't look at them for at least 4 to 6 weeks other than to water them. I might loose 1 in 32 (the size of my shuttle trays)usually the ones that don't get enough water, but I always plant more cuttings than I need so  it does not matter.  I do have a very dry garden. I don't enclose them and I do tend to use grit as a topper. 
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    I just used the tips after trimming, stuck them in a seed tray with some compost, watered them and then left them in a shady corner. I didn't count, but the vast majority took. They don't need cooking, especially in summer.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Don't cover your propagator at all. You could remove the whole clear plastic top of your vitopod, leaving just the base - so use it like a heat mat.

    A little gentle warmth from the bottom will help but they need fresh air - lots of it at this time of year, or fungus will be a problem

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
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  • pierre_de_gayepierre_de_gaye Posts: 182
    Yes, it's soft new growth that I took (mid-June).

    Pete8 - I shall try what you recommend.   What sort of bottom heat temp would you recommend - 20 or so?     it just seems wasteful and presumably the unit has to work harder since it is not covered / can't retain the heat?

    Also, you don't mention moisture levels - would the cuttings not wilt if they are not kept moist?

    Is it simply a case of just putting them somewhere shaded inside the house (but still light enough) - would that work?      Again though, I just presume they will dry out if uncovered, yet that would presumably avoid disease.   Catch 22?
  • pierre_de_gayepierre_de_gaye Posts: 182
    edited June 2018
    ?
  • UpNorthUpNorth Posts: 376
    Leave outside, its warm enough in uk now. They need the air circulation.   Box cuttings are easy, no need for a cover to hold moisture.  Plenty of vermiculite will help keep soil moist 
  • pierre_de_gayepierre_de_gaye Posts: 182
    I can try - I do have a mini greenhouse attached to a south wall.   Will they cope in that with the doors open?   Just worried about the heat more than anything but they can at least shelter from the rain in that?
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