Mould forming on Osteospermum cuttings
serenacurmi
Posts: 15
About 4 weeks ago, I took and potted 5 Osteospermum cuttings which I covered with a clear plastic bag. After about 3 weeks, one of them started to throw out new leaves. At this point I made the stupid decision to take the plastic bag off, assuming they had rooted and would be fine now. Overnight, the tiny new leaves wilted and now, a week later, 2 of the cuttings have died and the cutting that had the new leaves, although still clutching on, is developing mould at the base of the stem.
I'm worried that the humidity in the bag is contributing to the development of the mould but I am obviously apprehensive about taking the bag off again. I also don't know how often I should water them. Please bear in mind, I am a COMPLETE novice. Any advice would be most appreciated. Is there anything I can do at his stage or are they done for?
Posts
Assuming you live in the UK, taking cuttings mid-November is probably a bit too late in the year, despite the unseasonably warm weather.
For cuttings to root and grow they need warmth, some humidity and good light. It's the last of these that is most likely causing your cuttings to fail. It's light that drives growth and this time of year the sun's rays are just too weak and the days too short. It's the availability of decent light that's your main problem.
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.