zuzu, what is the forsythe pot method? i'm not familiar with that?
Hi Jiffy, I started using this method several years ago and have had the best luck with it. I made a photo tutorial for another site that I visit, I'd be happy to share it here, too.
To make the Forsythe Pots - I use a clean 6 inch plastic pot with a well-fitted saucer a very small (2 inch) terracotta pot - bottom drain hole sealed (I used duct tape) You'll also need vermiculite and something to keep the vermiculite from running out through the drain holes.
(I used a square of weed-block here, but a single layer of newspaper works, too).
Fill the 6 inch pot with vermiculite, to within about 3/4 in from the top then add enough water to the pot so that it thoroughly moistens the vermiculite and fills the saucer - do this ever so gently - the water will wash the vermiculite right out of the pot if you aren't careful.
Then press the tiny terracotta pot down into the center of the larger pot, leaving at least a ΒΌ inch of the lip above the level of the vermiculite.
Fill the terracotta pot with water, this will act as a reservoir, making the unit self-watering, just make sure you keep the little pot topped off with water.
Next -
I use rooting hormone and a little dibble (poking stick).
If the cutting is semi-hardwood, I GENTLY scrape a couple of small spots along the bottom inch or two of the cutting, using the edge of my clippers - - scrape very, very lightly - - you just want to expose the bright green layer - no deeper (if the cutting is soft-stemmed, like Coleus, there is no need to scrape).
I coat the bottom few inches with the rooting hormone, tapping off any excess.
Using the dibble, I make a hole in the moist vermiculite so that I can insert the cutting without rubbing off the hormone powder.
I put the cutting into the hole, then firm the vermiculite around it.
You can put lots of cuttings into one of these pots.
Finally, and very importantly, be sure to add a label and put the pot somewhere that is bright, but where it will get NO direct sun.
I will GENTLY tug at the cuttings in about 2 weeks to see if they seem to be setting roots - some plants root quickly, others may take considerably longer.
Remove and discard any cuttings that are clearly unhealthy.
If they have a "light grip" on the vermiculite, I let them stay until they have a good firm grip.
When they seem firmly rooted, remove the little terracotta pot and gently remove your newly rooted plants, separating them from each other gently.
Plant them into a good potting medium, there is no need to remove any vermiculite that clings to the roots.
I use this method for rooting all sorts of plants, it works really well for me.
Last edited by Jiffymouse; Aug 30th, 2007 at 09:16 AM. Reason: making this it's own topic
I've been usign this method too, funny how one one commented when I made my post (just joking!) anyways, this is a great method, the pot in the middle makes sure that the vermiculite is just moist enough to root instead of makign the cuttings rot
Helping the world one seed at a time
When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant. Mary Ann LaPensee
I've been usign this method too, funny how one one commented when I made my post (just joking!) anyways, this is a great method, the pot in the middle makes sure that the vermiculite is just moist enough to root instead of makign the cuttings rot
kenny i'd have been asking you instead if i had caught it! i'm not sure what caught my attention in zuzu's original post, but i broke this off as it's own topic (i can do that ya know )
zuzu, thank you for showing us the progress. i am definitely going to set up some pots this winter for the spring.
I was just joking...great minds think alike! lol Maja, are those hydrangeas?
Helping the world one seed at a time
When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant. Mary Ann LaPensee
Gardening in March
Gardening in April
Gardening in May
Shop at Amazon and Support AGF
Are you shopping online? Click this link first and A Gardeners Forum will receive a commission for your
referral at Amazon.com (shopping through this link to Amazon will not have any impact on your prices at Amazon).