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Geranium cuttings
Poly-anthus
Posts: 155
I keep reading that geranium (pelargonium) cuttings are very easy 
. I took several off my plants at the end of September and have them on the utility room windowsill, but moved away from the window at night. So far, some of them are looking OK, but quite a few have just keeled over. I don't think I've overwatered - just keeping them dampish. What have I done wrong? This is the second year I've tried to keep some, with any success. Any ideas welcome.
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I only water them once and from underneath when taking the cutting. I let the compost get dry before even considering any more watering. Me thinks you are over watering and probably watering from above. They root within a few weeks so watering shouldn't be an issue. I have seen them root in less and from compost straight from the bag and unwatered.
I wonder if you are inadvertently bruising the main stem when you are preparing the cutting or when you are potting, you should always be very careful handling the cuttings, always hold by a leaf.
I've had the same problem this year, for some reason mine just aren't ' taking'. Last year I successfully grew loads from cuttings! Strange.
Tip...........try using ordinary custard powder instead of hormone rooting powder,
Thanks everyone. I don't think I'm overwatering - in fact, I've stopped watering them at all. They'll probably die of drought now! Chrissy, perhaps you're right and I might have bruised the stems. Yet another one has keeled over during the night
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Custard powder Richard?! Didn't think there was still such a thing - it all comes in delicious tins now, lol. Will keep in in mind though
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I root things in vermiculite and it seems to work for a lot of different plants, including pelargoniums. Just keep it damp for pelargoniums but for a lot of plants, sodden seems to work very well. Pelargonium stems can turn black and mushy if they are damaged or too wet (or both) so handle gently.
We take 1000's of clematis cuttings every year, using Doff rooting powder, certain times of year I use gel, OK.
An elderly visitor to my nursery told me about the custard powder.
Always willing to learn, we tried a few Polish Spirit ( easy ) cuttings rather late in the season, using Doff powder, Clonex gel and CP, custard powder.
Results as shown.