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Penstemon cuttings

Flowery gardenerFlowery gardener Posts: 17
in Problem solving
can anyone tell me why my penstemon cuttings have completely flopped over after only 3 days of taking the cutting. I’ve done everything right, following the instructions that were on last week’s Gardeners World programme.
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  • Valley GardenerValley Gardener Posts: 2,851
    There has recently been some advice on here re Penstemons and other cuttings,and it seems a favourite way is to put the cuttings in a jar or glass of water.I'm trying it with Penstemons,Lobelia and Verbena. I have prepped the cuttings as you would normally. 
    Are yours watered?In the sun,in a GH? Maybe it's got too hot for them.
    The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Did you put a polythene bag on the pot to keep the humidity up?

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Cuttings are a race between rooting and wilting, and sometimes wilting wins even if you do everything right. I think just about everyone who takes cuttings has had some batches that just don't take - I know I have.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I also took penstemon cuttings about a week ago - 3 pots with 8 each.
    One set of cuttings wilted for 2-3 days then perked-up and all looking ok so far.
    So long as the pot is somewhere bright but out of direct sun, they should be ok.
    They seem eager to root this time of year

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Flowery gardenerFlowery gardener Posts: 17
    Thanks for all your replies. No I didn’t use a poly bag, is there more chance of cuttings taking under a poly bag? Other than that, they were watered and were indoors, maybe it was a bit too warm where I put them. I will try again. 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    As said previously it's a race between dehydration or rotting and growing roots.
    The poly bag helps keep the cuttings hydrated until they start forming roots, but can also increase the possibility of rot. It's a balance, and there's more than a little luck involved. But even if they wilt for a few days they often recover, as mine have.
    I always use a terracotta pot for cuttings - I know some have different views.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I never use a terracotta pot, they dry out to quickly. I only put a bag over for a couple of days, take it off, turn it inside out everyday. Failing that, just put them in a glass of water.  They never de hydrate then. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    @Lyn,  how long does it usually take for roots to appear after you've put them in water ? I check mine every day, and although they seem perky enough, no sign of roots appearing yet.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Up to 2 weeks I would think, it’s not something I’ve ever timed. I suppose it depends where you have them, I always do mine in the kitchen.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Thanks Lyn, mine are in the utlity room (OH hates plant stuff in kitchen !), they're in good light. I just need patience!  
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