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blupit007
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« on: November 28, 2010, 02:15:58 PM » |
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What would the ideal humidity and temperature be for rooting cuttings? I have a bunch in a fish tank with a glass top and right now the humidity is at 85% with the top almost closed and 80º. If I crack open the top it gets down to 75%.
I ask because some are rotting
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-Kristen
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helixturnhelix
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« Reply #1 on: November 28, 2010, 02:34:35 PM » |
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Hi Kristen, the main problem with high humidity is inadequate air movement. Do you have a fan circulating the air in the fish tank? I would get a small one to keep the air moving, high humidity and stagnant air is perfect for fungi...
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blupit007
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« Reply #2 on: November 28, 2010, 03:00:23 PM » |
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Ugh! No... The tank is crammed, no room for a fan. I have to think about this. But do you know what I should keep the humidity at?
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-Kristen
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helixturnhelix
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« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2010, 03:08:26 PM » |
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I didnt really pay attention to what mine was at, I would say stay in the 50-60% range and keep them warm. Cramming them in there could be a problem, because there is no airflow and it might result in more losses in gains because the fungi can move from plant to plant. Might need a second tank  |
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Charlie
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« Reply #4 on: November 28, 2010, 03:44:53 PM » |
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Kristen, Chris is right - 60 percent humidity is plenty and 85 percent dangerous.
Charlie
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blupit007
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« Reply #5 on: November 28, 2010, 04:09:25 PM » |
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I have grafts in there too, is it the same?
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-Kristen
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Charlie
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« Reply #6 on: November 28, 2010, 07:37:44 PM » |
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Yes, the same for grafts.
Charlie
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blupit007
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« Reply #7 on: November 29, 2010, 07:02:26 AM » |
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So, I adjusted the glass top kitty cornered over night and it brought the humidity down to 61% and it's staying there. But the cuttings don't look as happy. (the ones that were not rotting that is  ) They look a bit crispy. Some of them looked really fresh and glossy, but now they are dull and a touch curled. The problem is the air temp is now down to 60º. I do have the heat mat in there and the soil is reading 70º. Do you think this is OK? |
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-Kristen
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Charlie
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« Reply #8 on: November 29, 2010, 08:43:12 AM » |
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Hmm, not perfect in that it is on the cool side but probably ok. It is common for the leaf on a cutting to yellow and fall off a few days after sticking. A new leaf quickly starts growing and if it doesn't that almost always means the cutting is not going to make it. You could slightly close the top a fraction more than it was last night which should bring up the temp and humidity. As long as the humidity does not get too much higher the increased temperature would be better.
Charlie
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blupit007
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« Reply #9 on: November 29, 2010, 12:38:03 PM » |
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So I closed it a touch more and got the temp up to 72º, the humidity is at 68% but everyone looks a bit better. Thanks Charlie.
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-Kristen
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Charlie
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« Reply #10 on: November 30, 2010, 06:12:37 AM » |
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Good, but as I said don't worry if the original trimmed leaf at the top of the cutting yellows and falls off. That is very normal and does not mean anything is wrong. A tiny new shoot will appear within a week or so after the leaf falls but if none does within 2-3 weeks then that means the cutting is not doing well. Now is wait and see time.
Charlie
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Charlie
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« Reply #11 on: November 30, 2010, 06:25:42 AM » |
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One more suggestion. If you see any cutting or graft turn a dark brown or black color or show other obvious signs of rotting, cull that cutting from the tank asap. You didn't say how long they have been in the tank but the 3 week mark is when cuttings will show rotting if they are going to rot. It can happen faster or slower but I've found that at 3 weeks it is best to check carefully and remove anything that shows signs of rotting. By 4 weeks you should see new sprouts on the cuttings that are doing well and at 6 weeks some will be developing significant roots. The process can take longer at cooler temperatures but the above holds true for 80 degrees F.
Charlie
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blupit007
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« Reply #12 on: November 30, 2010, 07:10:20 AM » |
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I had 2 Rum Runners that were brown black, so I just took them out. Thanks for the heads up. Also, most of the rest are not turning color in the stem, but the leaves are a bit wilty. They have been in there for about 2 weeks. Still green and alive though. The temp is falling into the 60's with more air to allow less humidity, so I covered them up a bit more this morning.
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-Kristen
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Charlie
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« Reply #13 on: November 30, 2010, 07:20:24 AM » |
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Kristen, did you trim the leaves on the cuttings? A cutting cannot support a full size leaf, particularly without misting every few minutes. Ideally, only 1 leaf is left on the cutting, at the very top and that leaf is trimmed back by 2/3 or so with only a small piece remaining.
Charlie
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Doll
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« Reply #14 on: November 30, 2010, 07:27:46 AM » |
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Charlie, what rooting gel or powder do you recommend?
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"An addiction to gardening is not all bad when you consider all the other choices in life."
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